Live Rock "decrittering"

[kramers]

This may not be in the right section, but here goes. Is there any problem with doing a freshwater rinse on live rock to kill of any potential "bad" hitch-hikers--bristleworms, aiptasia, mantis shrimp, etc? I realise there is also the possiblity of killing "good" hitchers such as turbo snails, brittle stars, and an occasional fish. Will freshwater damage or destroy the bacteria and algae growth that may be present on cured rock? This is my first salt tank and I'm trying to do all the research I can with the intentions of converting some of my fresh tanks. Anyway, any input is appreciated.

 

[@ombomb]

Yes, a fresh water dip will effectively kill off most of the life in the rock.

I've never done it and never will, unless you're very unlucky, the good hitch hikers will out weigh the bad anyway.

 

[SkiFletch]

Agreed, FW dips aren't the best idea. What you could do is pre-treat the LR for worms with dips of flatworm exit and iodine (Tropic Marin Pro Coral Cure). However like @ombomb suggested, the bad may outweigh the good. If you go slowly you can add rock, let it cycle and observe it for problem hitchhikers early on and take care of them individually before livestock gets in there.

Out of curiosity, have you considered where you order your LR from?