ok to use in my tank? Coral?

My mom picked some of this dried coral up in the florida keys at some shop? ive seen it for sale at fish stores so im assuming it should be fine to put in my tank?

 

Those aren't coral, they're empty barnacles. As long as they have been treated with anything like polyurethane to make them shine you'll be fine using them in your build.

 

yea haha sorry i meant empty barnecles, nah they dont shine. i just was a little mind boggled that they are purplish/white.

 

lol no worries. If you want to be really safe you could mix a couple capfuls of bleach into ro and let it soak for a day. Then rinse it very well and let it sun dry for few more days.

 

I second this advice plus a little scrubbing to make sure there isn't any varnish, clear nail polish etc. You could also soak in straight vinegar after the bleaching. Remember though, algae may grow on them. I have three large groups I used to use when I had a fish only tank and had to remove then once a month and soak them in bleach to remove the algae.

 

i dont mind if algae gros on them i would like that purple crab color to be covered up. And have a more natural look. Ill just scrub them down (gonna pass on the bleach/vinegar since i dont have any).