Adding Rock to a Cycling Tank

[skyhawk11]

Hello all. I am completely new to the hobby and set up a 30 gallon tank with 15lbs of live rock 3 days ago. My plan is to start with some easy fish and after I get the hang of this thing (water parameters, maintenance, etc) I will venture into some corals. After staring at this thing for the last few days, I've decided I would really like to add some more rock. I picked up some dry rock at my LFS as they said they said it would obviously turn into live rock given some time.

My question is do I need to do anything to the rock before I add it to my aquarium? I read all this about curing rock and such, but since I'm so early in my cycle anyway, I presume that is not necessary.

I apologize if this is a stupid question, but you gotta start somewhere right?

I attached a photo of my tank thus far. I appreciate the feedback and look forward to contributing to this community in the future! Thanks!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Since it is a new tank, you can basically cure the dry rock in the tank with the live rock. The only concern would be if there was a lot of dead organic material in the dry rock, it may take a little longer before the tank is optimal for adding livestock.

If the dry rock was once live, I would rinse it well and maybe power wash it. I would suggest curing the rock in RO/DI for a couple of weeks and then test the Nitrate and Phosphate levels. If they are high, continue curing. If not add it in. At least if you do that for a week or two you may have a better idea about the rock if issues pop up later.

Good luck!

 

[NY_Caveman]

And welcome to R2R!

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[skyhawk11]

Thank you for the advice!

 

[larryl]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Venator]

NY_Caveman is spot on. You might wanna powerwash it a tad just to clear off any surface residue, but the rock can cycle with the tank. Good luck, and welcome!!

 

[skyhawk11]

NY_Caveman is spot on. You might wanna powerwash it a tad just to clear off any surface residue, but the rock can cycle with the tank. Good luck, and welcome!!

Awesome! Thank you guys for the warm welcome and advice.