Dry Rock?

[Brian W]

I purchased 100 lbs of dry rock and have had it in a tank blacked out for about 4 months now while I was waiting to get everything ready to setup and purchase.

My question is since its was dry rock and it was visually SUPER clean. Do I need to cycle my rock too?

Ive topped off water every other week but have never done a water change. It has just be sitting at 82 degrees in a blacked out tank with a lot of flow. Should I start ghost feeding it and drop in some Bio Spira to cycle it or it this rock already naturally cycled?

Im planning on building the stand this weekend and setting my tank, sump add water, etc...Only thing left to do is add rocks. Ive never used dry rock before so I'm just not sure.....

 

[luke33]

Have you been checking phosphate levels? Generally when you cure rock like this you want to do water changes as it will leach phosphates really bad and this will allow them to get most of it out.

 

[Brian W]

Have you been checking phosphate levels? Generally when you cure rock like this you want to do water changes as it will leach phosphates really bad and this will allow them to get most of it out.

All I have done was put rocks in. Fill with water, add pumps and heater. Refill weekly/bi-weekly.

no tests, no water changes.

I just got lazy and did not do anything you are supposed to do. I will get around to doing a water test today or this weekend : )

Thanks

 

[luke33]

Well, the issue is you are suppose to do water changes to pull out the phosphates so you never really did that. I would do a water change or two, measure the phos with a hanna meter and if its not to bad get it situated in your tank. Then turn on your skimmer and add the shrimp or bacteria, get that cycle going. Dry rock can leach phos for a long period of time, which really won't do anything to fish but it can be a pain with coral. But without feeding or adding bacteria you have not started a cycle.

 

[Brian W]

Well, the issue is you are suppose to do water changes to pull out the phosphates so you never really did that. I would do a water change or two, measure the phos with a hanna meter and if its not to bad get it situated in your tank. Then turn on your skimmer and add the shrimp or bacteria, get that cycle going. Dry rock can leach phos for a long period of time, which really won't do anything to fish but it can be a pain with coral. But without feeding or adding bacteria you have not started a cycle.

Thank you. I was afraid of that

 

[luke33]

Thank you. I was afraid of that

Don't be afraid, be happy you are taking things slow as that is much smarter approach in this hobby!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

no tests, no water changes.

just test. go from there.
me .02