Curing questions from a newbie

[Jamborick]

Getting ready to start curing the Caribsea liferock I’m going to use in a reefer 425 I’m starting. Using Brute 32 gallon trash cans in my South Florida garage, so I won’t be needing a heater.

Suggestions for a pump/power head. I like the idea of something that could be used to pump the water into the sump when ready. Or a powerhead good enough to use as a temporary backup if one of my tank units dies. Maybe a powerhead to mix and a separate pump to transfer to the tank? Any suggestions on which unit(s) to use?

If I’m going to cure for a month, do I need to do water changes? If so, how often.

The liferock is man made so there is nothing live to start with. I assume some algae will grow in the hot and humid environment, How do I control algae during the cure?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Since this is a man made product without death within, you don't need to cure this rock. What you're actually doing is cycling the rock to get the nitrification bacteria to kick in and start to process ammonia. Just include a powerhead or two (or some other pump) to get water movement. No light is needed, and in fact I'd cover the lot to minimize evaporation and bugs and the like getting into the water. For a cycle, water changes are not needed. Just want to introduce an ammonia source to kick it off. Caribsea claims their Liferock contains spore bacteria....so you should have the starting blocks for your cycle to begin.

 

[lapin]

+1 above
Algae needs light to grow so cover the rock or if its in the garage light should not be an issue.
Use your pump that comes with your tank. Put that in the bottom of your brute.

 

[Jamborick]

Thanks for the feedback. You got me on the curing/cycling, rookie mistake. I hadn’t thought about the light and algae relationship, so that’s good news.

The tank doesn’t come with any pumps, using a cor20 for return. Looking at a Koralia powerhead for mixing and a MJ1200 for pumping.

Most of the biological starters say not to ship when its over 80-90 degrees. That is certainly not the case here, much less sitting in a hot truck. Aquaforest BIO S doesn’t make the same transportation comment. Anyone know if it’s OK?

 

[BestMomEver]

Drop the Cor in there or buy a small powerhead from the LFS. Mine carries Ehiem pumps. They’re indestructible. I have two. They’re like the energizer bunny.