Can you cure dry rock in cold water?

[UCReefer]

I have been curing my pukani dry rock in a 55 gallon rubbermaid with only a powerhead and saltwater. The room it has been in has been around 40-60 night-day respectively.

I am wondering if i will have to start the cure over b/c of the lack of heat or if the rock still has the ability to break down the phosphates in colder water. I currently dont have an extra heater so i would rather not have to get one just to cure some rock..

I can see sediment that has settled out and after the next water change i plan on testing the water to see if its still leaching.

 

[UCReefer]

bump

 

[ritter6788]

I don't think water temp is much of a factor for cooking rock. If you're trying to cycle or seed it then yes, you would want a heater to maintain proper temperature.

 

[EW_Fish]

Keep it around 77-81 But don't let it fluctuate. Bacteria will need proper conditions.

 

[UCReefer]

Im not trying to seed or cycle it. I am just tryin to get the dry rock ready for adding into my already mature 150g. I have heard on many threads that pukani is specifically phosphate laden compared to other dry rock out there. So even though the rock looks relatively clean i dont want to risk messing with my system..

There isnt anything living on the rock bacteria or otherwise, There is just decaying matter stuck inside the rocks i believe. So it would be nice to know i dont have to heat the water in order to extract the phosphates from the rock.

Id have to imagine it many breakdown easier in warmer water but id prefer to leave it in cold water..

 

[gcrawford]

I would recommend curing the rock properly at proper temperature. If you add it to the display as is, you will start a new cycle in your tank. I did this with new rock I was adding to my 75 using a brute, heater and hydor. The rock needs correct temperature, but no light. I was very surprised at the level of ammonia produced with only rock. See my tests below through the cycle. BTW, the rock has been in for a week and it looks great with no disruption of the existing nitrogen cycle in the tank.

 

[gcrawford]

Rock after adding to existing....

 

[UCReefer]

ok sounds like im gonna have to get a cheap heater for it then. Thanks for the info guys i appreciate it.

Here are some pics of the tank without the new pukani rock. Flickr: ottojuba's Photostream

 

[JMSKI333]

I would think letting pukani rock sit in pure RO water with a power head would be a great move. I don't think the temp would matter since you are only trying to draw the phosphates out of it. RO water should do a good job at that.

 

[jduck]

If your worried about po4, then test the water it has been soaking in.

 

[gcrawford]

Beautiful tank!