Can I put a hunk of dead live rock in there?

[BBN]

Can I put a hunk of 8-10 rock that's bleached out in my tank? Do I need to clean it or sterilize it?

[OrionGirl]

Bleached as in was dipped in bleach, or bleached as in whitened? Depending on where it came from, you should be okay adding it to the tank. The bacteria from your existing rock will quickly colonize any new porous rock, and the exterior will get coated with algaes and such as well.

If you suspect it was bleached, I would rinse it very well, just in case. It shouldn't still contain any chlorine, but being safe is better than being sorry.

[BBN]

I'm sorry, I'll clariy that. I got it out of the water in Grand Cayman and it was already whitened. Very beautiful brain coral. I found out after we got home that taking things from the sea in Grand Cayman was a no no:D. Anyhow I've done nothing with it. It's just sat in a bag for 2 months now. Should I let it soak in water? thanks OG.:cool:

[OrionGirl]

I'd just give it a good rinse and put it in. Should be fine.

[azriel]

id rinse it REALLY well to get off any dead m,atter or dead bacteria so you dont get a mini cycle but otherwise i dont see a problem.