LFS had a flood and dry rock was flooded

[silkie]

My LFS (Congressional Aquarium in Rockville, MD) had a flood a while back where the life rock got wet from the flood.

The person at LFS recommended I just rinse with tap water and let them dry out for 24 hours.

Are there any considerations that I should take place before starting my tank? i.e. bleach cure, natural cure?

I got something like this

LifeRock Dry Live Rock (20 lb) - Caribsea​

I am still allowed to return too.

 

[shakacuz]

firstly; welcome aboard the r2r board! hello from PA!

secondly; you should be fine to still cycle the rock. are you starting it with only dry rock? or seeding with some live rock?

 

[silkie]

Hi shakacuz, thank you so much for your response

I am starting with dry rock first and seeding, the store has live rock so I might add that once the temperature and salinity are established.

If you think live rock is not necessary please let me know

 

[Cell]

I guess it would depend on the cause if the flood for me. If a tank burst and it was just saltwater, no biggie. If it was something like a sewer backed up or chemicals were involved, I'd avoid.

 

[Otto]

Same.

 

[silkie]

Oops i already rinsed it and put it in my tank. (Attached a pic of my current progress)
All there is in my tank are the two rocks and a scoop of sand that I pre rinsed.
Is there a way I can clean my tank to ensure nothing came through?

Wouldn't a bleach cure suffice?
Would hate to return these rocks

Will return if there is no other way to ensure the tank is safe

 

[Cell]

Bleach cure would suffice for organics, but not chemical exposure depending on what it was, I think.

 

[silkie]

Thank you all, this sucks and I'm feeling frustrated that they still had these on display despite the risks they could have.


But I am going to return and rinse out my tank again. Gotta start right :')

update: called the store and they said they don't think the rocks were touched by sewage water. that is not a comforting response lol definitely going to return them.

 

[Cell]

They are probably ok, but you never know. If I imagine a scenario where my basement flooded and a box of rocks was soaking in that water, I'd likely just toss the rocks and start fresh. But f I was desperate or really loved the rocks for whatever reason, I'd bleach them and assume/hope they were fine. I do think the risks are probably minimal.