Dry Rock

[dtracy1119]

Is there a possibility when using dry rock that was once live regenerate whatever was once on it?

 

[Tautog]

I would say no, especially any stuff that’s been dry for months.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Nothing will live if it is completely dry. If you use it I would suggest a bleach soak for a week, scrubbing, then curing before use.

 

[dtracy1119]

Nothing will live if it is completely dry. If you use it I would suggest a bleach soak for a week, scrubbing, then curing before use.

I was just going to use the dead stuff on the rocks to cycle the tank. Is that not a good idea???

 

[NY_Caveman]

I was just going to use the dead stuff on the rocks to cycle the tank. Is that not a good idea???

Could take a year or more of leaching Phosphate if they are filthy. I would say at the least, if it were me, a week of 10:1 bleach will loosen all the organics up. Then give it a good scrub and soak in RO/DI with dechlorinator for a week. From there you could cure in the tank.

The only difference from curing in the bucket in there is a lot more water to change. For example, I cured and matured my dry rocks for 4 months in a bucket with 75% water changes weekly.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Post a picture of the rocks if you want. I would be curious to see what you got.

 

[dtracy1119]

Post a picture of the rocks if you want. I would be curious to see what you got.

Will do. I'm gonna mix the saltwater tonight and by tomorrow I should fill up the tank. I'm also soaking some Diy dry rock made with Portland cement (Grey color) crushed oyster shells and aragonite. I didn't like the way it came out but what the heck I tried it!

 

[dtracy1119]

Haven't been able to jump on the forums lately but finally started my saltwater tank. Been up since 7/22/2018. So far everything is checking out ammonia is at about 1 to 2 ppm calcium at 400. PH at 8.2 but my SG is between 1.023 - 1.024.

 

[dtracy1119]

My tank

 

[dtracy1119]

Moved the powerheads to the back of the tank aimed the left and right ones crisscross and the middle one breaking the surface. Surprisingly ammonia came down to 1. Nitrites. 25 and nitrates way up to 40.

 

[dtracy1119]

Update

 

[dtracy1119]

Finally my tank is cycled after about 3 weeks. Started it on July 22. My ammonia, nitrite and nitrates are 0, 0, 20. Nitrates are high and in need of a water change. I will soon add some livestock. I just want to make sure everything is in check and stable. I got rid of the 2 canister filters and added a Marineland Tide pool sump. It was free so I'm using it. Iis so true about them being nitrate factories. I had a hard time keeping the nitrates low. Once the sump and skimmer came into play they lowered dramatically. And I have a huge bio wheel in the Marineland Tide pool which might have helped also. I can't wait to add some life to the tank. It's my first saltwater reef tank and it feels like a huge accomplishment!!!