Aquascaping after Filling Tank

[e3pillereefer]

I have been cycling some Life Rock from Caribsea for about 3 weeks. Last night I added some purple Argonite dry rock from Florida. I still need to do some epoxying and aquascaping. I need to know if I can take these rocks out of the tank for any length of time or am I killing something? Really need to know the parameters I have to work with.

 

[Rubberfrog]

Wrap them in wet newspaper while they're out.

 

[e3pillereefer]

Thanks!

 

[CorallineKid]

Anytime you expose the rocks to air for lengthy periods of time you take the potential risk of beneficial bacteria and other living organisms within the rocks dying. Whenever I move live rock or have it out of the tank for lengths of time. I will get a container to house the rock in temporarily ( 5 gallon buckets etc...) Check the salinity of your water in the tank, and have some salt water premixed to match your tanks water. I will put a heater in a 5 gallon bucket/ powerhead. And a 50/50 mix of tank water and new water in the bucket... This is a sure fire way to not have any die back. Which could prolong the cycling process due to the buildup of excessive nitrates caused from die back. If the rock is only to be out for a couple hours and you have enough tank water just take the rock out in a seperate container and cover it with the tank water and make sure the temp doesnt drop too low. Good luck!