Cleaning Used SW Aragonite to go into a FW Cichlid Tank

[Bone]

Hi,

I am setting up a new 90 gal tank for cichlids, most likely tanganyikans. Still gathering all the bits and pieces for the new setup. I recently purchased some used aragonite that had been in a SW tank. The seller indicated that it had been well cleaned, and it does appear to be nice and clean i.e. no smells and very little dirt or anything. Colour looks right, identical when compared to my friend's aragonite in his cichlid tank. Not quite sure how long ago it came out of the SW tank, but I think it was recent. It was purchased new about 3 yrs ago.

My question is, do I need to clean it again prior to putting it into my new 90 gal tank? Or can I just use it as is and assume the cycling process of the new setup will take care of it?

If I need to clean it, what is the best way to do this? In what I have read so far, the most common method is to fill a pail about half full of the aragonite and run water through it with a hose allowing the water to overflow and swish/stir the aragonite around until the overflow water looks pretty clear. When I've seen this method described, it is usually associated with "new" aragonite, which may have lots of dust/tiny particles to start. Not sure about "used" stuff?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers.

[Got Fish?]

I just was it in the bath tub under running water like you described. Welcome to the group.

[Bone]

Thanks

So, I assume you are suggesting that I do indeed need to wash this aragonite before using it?

Cheers.

[Stussi613]

I would definitely rinse it, but good luck getting the water to run clear 

I had some that I bought new, washed, put in a cichlid tank for 6 months, took out and washed, stored then washed again to put in a saltwater tank and it was still milky the last time I washed it!

You can also use a mild bleach solution to make sure it's safe, but make sure you neutralize with dechlorinator before putting it in the tank.

[Bone]

Thanks Stussi. I will definitely give it a good rinse before dumping into the new 90 gal tank.

Cheers