Adding new "dead" rock to established tank, am I doing this right?

[AquaLifeStudio]

This past month I purchased about a dozen pounds of "Real Reef Rock" from the LFS, definitely had organics and possible hitchhikers on it. Now, I'm already in the middle of a fallow period in an effort to rid the tank of crypto for good. This is my third attempt (and hopefully last) and the fish will be in a therapeutic level of Cupramine in QT for at least 3 months but that's a whole other article.

This new rock was out of water for a few weeks already so I could cement it in an arch shape. Its been left outside in the summer sun to dry.

This past week, I placed the assembled rock in a 30 gallon Brute container of fresh saltwater with no light and just an air stone. My goal is to add the rock to the main display in about 3 months time. I do not want to start another cycle and I do not want to add any pests, especially crypto to the tank.

With weekly water changes to help cure the new rock, am I on the right path? Can I do this without using bleach?

-Dan

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

Your on right track. This rock will have a lot of die off and you can wash this way in the curing bin rather than main tank. Let it sit and cycle.

 

[AquaLifeStudio]

I figure large water changes every other week or so to wash away the die off and then testing for ammonia/nitrite for the cycle?

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

Yes just like a normal tank and rock cycles. You will do the same in a curing bin. Let it cycle and do water change and keep water moving with a powerhead.