Is garage-stored rock safe?

[ToddTT]

This rock has been in my garage for 4 years. It is mostly clean, but has been exposed to some fumes, I imagine. From lawn equipment, not from a car.

Can it be made safe for my tank again? What would I need to do, to get it tank-ready? A long saltwater soak?

It's a decent looking rock, and somewhere between football and basketball size.

[leebca]

Did the rock come from a marine aquarium or an LFS selling rock for marine aquariums? I mean, sure the rock looks nice, but even it isn't polluted, is it the right kind of rock for marine fishes?

"Strange rock" can leach chemicals into the marine aquarium, having nothing to do with the pollution you're concerned about.

If it is 'safe rock' to begin with, then I wouldn't consider putting it into an aquarium at all. I mean, we're talking about a piece of rock. Find another that looks as good or better. The risk of something polluting your tank isn't worth the loss of life and frustration, and loss of time and money. If things go wrong in your tank, you'll always wonder if it was because of this rock.

[ToddTT]

Yes, this rock was purchased from an LFS about 10 years ago, and spent a few years in my tank back then.

I have it in a plastic garbage can with my last water change's siphoned-out water, and a pump.

I might do that for the next water change or two, and then decide if I'll use it. I have a feeling the rock is already safe and clean enough now, but I'm thinking a couple more long soaks couldn't hurt.