How long can cured rock be out in open air?

[TK_KW]

#reefsquad,

I have a few hundred pounds of rock, that I've had cured in large garbage bin. Going on about two months now, while I had my front panel changed.

Question,

How long can the rock be brought out into open air ( to redo aquascape) before you start losing beneficial bacteria?

 

[fishguy242]

keep covered w damp towels,while working.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

I've put tank water in a spray bottle and kept the rock damp when redoing my scape a few times.

 

[c.poindexter]

Yeah, the biggest thing is to try to keep it wet. When they ship live rock from over seas a lot of times they will cover them in wet newspaper and such.

 

[JGT]

Just don’t let it dry out. Keep damp with sprayer and towels.

 

[Lasse]

With "cultured" rocks - rocks without anything else than bacteria - its very unlike that something should happens to the bacteria culture in a day or two- Most bacteria can go dormant if the environment not suit them.

Another fact - the "culturing" have already bring the populations down to a minimum - no food for two months - most bacteria is in dormant stage already - a day or two up in the air does not matter - IMO

But in order for you to feel better - it is a good idea too spay them now and then.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Miami Reef]

I agree with lasse. Your rocks are cured. They cannot die in a short time period. Use a spray bottle occasionally.

My opinion: No matter what you do, your tank is going to go through the algae bloom. It’s gonna cycle regardless. But this tank will be running for many years. 1-2 month of initial cycling is nothing to worry about.

I say take your time to make your aquascape the best you can.