Curing DryRock

fernalfer · Mar 7, 2016

Ok i have had 100lbs. of Marco Dry Rock. It is mined Rock with 100% no dead stuff on it or in it. Now the big question with Dry Rock is the fact that they could leech Phosphates into their Display Tanks. I have had my Dry rock in my 120 gallon because i was soaking it in vinegar and water solution to clean and also to do a leak test. I figured why not throw the rock in as well with a power head. The water was clear for about 3 days but has been cloudy the last 6 days with a total of 6 days the rock being in the water. Now i just drained the water.

Would it be beneficial to keep the rock in their soaking under circulation of the power head and will soaking it in tap water help get the phosphates. I'm waiting on my RODI setup. Just not sure if it has to soak in saltwater to do this or if tap water will do the same?

CodyRVA · Mar 7, 2016

You're over thinking it. When you start cycling your tank, aquascape the rock accordingly, fill the tank, and start the cycle. It is best practice to clean the dry rock before using it, but there shouldn't be that much phosphate in the dry rock to cause an issue. Furthermore, when you're cycling, the tank is going to naturally get dirty, its a must; all part of the process. I've taken dry rock, rinsed it off quickly, put it in and started to cycle with no issue.

fernalfer · Mar 7, 2016

Now because it has been soaking in tap water for 6 days should i be concerned about the bad stuff in the tap water might get into my rock. Should i give it a RODI rinse before cycling or will i be ok to just put it into the tank and begin the cycling process?

CodyRVA · Mar 7, 2016

fernalfer said:
Now because it has been soaking in tap water for 6 days should i be concerned about the bad stuff in the tap water might get into my rock. Should i give it a RODI rinse before cycling or will i be ok to just put it into the tank and begin the cycling process?

IMO, i'd get a 5 gallon bucket of RODI, rinse the rock thoroughly and aquascape it and cycle it. Dunno how much of a difference cleaning it in the RODI will make, it really depends, but at the very least it'll put your mind at ease.