Real reef rock storage.

[Reef.]

Setting up my first tank, still about a month or so from getting it wet, I got my RRR yesterday, what’s the best way to store it until I’m ready for the setup? It came damp with paper covering it, I feel if I just leave it sitting like that for a month it will adversely affect the tank when I add it?

 

[Auquanut]

I would get it into a food safe container with salt water and a small power head for flow. Wouldn't hurt to add some bottled bacteria and an ammonia source occasionally too.

 

[Reef.]

I would get it into a food safe container with salt water and a small power head for flow. Wouldn't hurt to add some bottled bacteria and an ammonia source occasionally too.

would I need to heat it, would testing be required too as I guess I’m cycling it.

 

[Auquanut]

would I need to heat it, would testing be required too as I guess I’m cycling it.

From what I understand, RRR comes pre-cured. So it should already have beneficial bacteria growing.
Wouldn't think you should need to heat it as long as it is kept in an area that is reasonably close to room temp. May have to top off with RO periodically if you're seeing evaporation loss.
It wouldn't hurt to test from time to time, but I wouldn't sweat it too much.
As far as an ammonia source goes, A small pinch of flakes once a week should do. Just trying to keep the bacteria alive and well until time to add to the tank.

Just my opinion. Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in soon.

 

[flsalty]

I guess I don't have to tell you that was some poor planning. The best way to keep the live rock is in a bucket or container big enough to hold it covered in salt water with a small powerhead for circulation. Do water changes as necessary to keep the water clear. There probably won't be much die off because the rock is supposed to be fully cured.

ETA: I'm a slow typer.

 

[mfinn]

I would get it into a food safe container with salt water and a small power head for flow. Wouldn't hurt to add some bottled bacteria and an ammonia source occasionally too.

This is what I would do too.
I would probably add a heater too.

 

[Reef.]

I guess I don't have to tell you that was some poor planning. The best way to keep the live rock is in a bucket or container big enough to hold it covered in salt water with a small powerhead for circulation. Do water changes as necessary to keep the water clear. There probably won't be much die off because the rock is supposed to be fully cured.

ETA: I'm a slow typer.

Maybe poor research rather than poor planning as I was under the impression that RRR is not classed as live from the research and that the curing process it goes through isn’t that beneficial, time it’s shipped from the USA etc

 

[mfinn]

Maybe poor research rather than poor planning as I was under the impression that RRR is not classed as live from the research and that the curing process it goes through isn’t that beneficial, time it’s shipped from the USA etc

You'll be ok.
I ordered my Real Reef Rock for both my tanks well in advance.
I did know that it was cycled rock with bacteria, ( shipped in wet paper) but I had also planned on storing it for a month or so ( part of it longer).
So I also planned on adding a bacteria product ( Dr. Tims One and Only) while it was being stored.
I added a small amount of fish food every couple days.