Live rock

[CoralClark]

I've been out for a little over a year now and I'm ready to get back in. I saved all my rock from my previous set up I let it sit outside and dry out for a couple months. My question is can I just start my new tank up with this rock and cycle my tank with it or do I need to cook the rock? Am I going to run into problems down the road if I don't cook it?

 

[TJ's Reef]

Welcome back and if I were you I'd soak a few pieces in RO/DI for a day or few then test for Phosphates before placing them all into aquarium. If free/near free of PO4 then good to go with a quick rinse. If any significant levels then would do a vinegar bath and another RO/DI soak first, maybe even a bag of GFO and a powerhead for a few days. Are you planning a standard type cycle process of raw shrimp in a bag or another newer version with Ammonia followed by bottled bacteria ???

Cheers, Todd

 

[CoralClark]

Standard cycle with shrimp

 

[CoralClark]

I forgot I also have some sand that was brand new but I opened it and rinsed with fresh water and never ended up using. It's been sitting in a 5 gallon bucket with a lid on it every since. Will the sand be safe to use?

 

[CoralClark]

Last question. Can I start cycling my tank now without the rock in it then put the rock in after I'm done cooking it?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Yes, and yes. You can use the sand, just rinse it out again, until it runs clear.
You can throw the rock in after your done cookin it.

 

[fishroomlady]

^^+1 agree

 

[CoralClark]

thanks guys, can't wait to get it going, gonna start a build thread on this one.