Things You'll Need:
- Live rock
- Fish tank heater
- Air pump
- Water circulator (optional)
- Hydrometer
- Large container with lid or extra fish tank
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Step 1
Place the live rock inside a measured container big enough to cover the rock with at least 3 inches of water. Fill the container with properly mixed saltwater. Make sure you get a quality brand of saltwater made for saltwater fish tanks and not some off-brand. The higher quality salt you have, the better chances of reviving the live rock. Use a hydrometer to ensure you have the proper salinity mix.
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Step 2
Insert a fish tank heater into the container and set it between 78 and 80 degrees. Make sure it is fully sealed with no chance of shorting out. You’ll be in for a shock if you don’t.
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Step 3
Add some circulation to the live rock saltwater. You can do this by either putting in a bubble maker, a standard air pump or even a specialized water circulator.
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Step 4
Cover the live rock container and place it outside, because as the dead stuff comes off of the rock, it will start to stink. You’ll need to leave some room for the air to escape (an opening about 1/4 of the container should do), but not too big of an opening or else the water will start to evaporate.
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Step 5
Wait one week or so (or when the smell goes away) and then test the water for nitrites and ammonia. If everything is good, the rock is ready for transfer to the saltwater tank. Wait another week so that your tank can process the new bioload and properly cycle before you add new livestock.
