[Coral-List] density of coral skeletons

[Marah Newman]

Hi All,

I have several bleached coral skeletons and I need to calculate  
skeleton density.  I have looked at several papers that detail  
methods for calculating density via buoyant weights, but I believe  
this is to get measurements of live corals. Since I have the coral  
skeleton only, is there any reason why I cannot simple use the basic  
water displacement method (aka Archimedes)?  I know there is some  
concern regarding trapped air, but if I soak the corals overnight  
first in DI water, will this take care of it? Any comments as to why  
this will NOT work, would be great.

Thanks.

Marah Newman