Curing live rock

[Saaqib_Ansari]

Not sure if it was live or dry but has been in my shed for about 2 years I cured what I could initially for my DT. Upgraded tanks now I need more live rock. So decided to cure whatever was left in my shed. I’ve washed them multiple times over the years. And 5 weeks ago places them in a bucket with a heater and a power head. I’ve done 3 water changes to the bucket . There is no smell or colour to the water now. How do I know if it is safe to put into my DT.

 

[dank reefer]

If it was in a shed for 2 year then its no longer live rock.

Check for phosphates and see where its at.

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

If it was in a shed for 2 year then its no longer live rock.

Check for phosphates and see where its at.

The one test kit that’s finished AHhhhhh

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

If it was in a shed for 2 year then its no longer live rock.

Check for phosphates and see where its at.

Also that’s what I thought but when I did my first batch after 4 weeks of sitting in water ammonia was more than 10.0 so idk what was coming off that rock

 

[dank reefer]

Die off from the rock is what made the ammonia spike I am guessing.

 

[ShepherdReefer]

What happened to the live rock? I have placed the dead live rock into a 5-gallon bucket about 2-months ago and still have high nitrites. Just wondering what you did.

 

[dank reefer]

What happened to the live rock? I have placed the dead live rock into a 5-gallon bucket about 2-months ago and still have high nitrites. Just wondering what you did.

Did you perform any water changes to the curing bucket?

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Yep, 100% twice after about 6-weeks and 7-weeks.

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

Yep, 100% twice after about 6-weeks and 7-weeks.

I did a water change every 2 weeks and after 8 weeks it was fine 0 everything do u have a power head or something in there just to make sure water movement in and around the rocks?

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Yes I do, just a power head and heater.

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

Yes I do, just a power head and heater.

That’s odd something must still be dying. Carry on for another 2 weeks do a water change whenever you would a water change with your normal tank.

 

[Greg P]

Yes I do, just a power head and heater.

I replied to you in another thread but ...
Have you been testing NH3 and NO2 as well?

Once all available ammonia sources in the bucket are depleted you will see a drop and then eventually no existence of either ammonia or nitrites.
At this point you should be able to rinse the rock and have no nitrates.
If this is not the case, test your source water/new saltwater before use.