Rock curing timing

[Schnizzle]

I'm setting up my first reef tank soon and have a question on curing that I cannot find anywhere. I'm taking my time with this entire process so I'm in no hurry. The tank isn't shipping until 20 February. I really like the Fiji dry live rock but I also like the idea of Marco Rocks.

First question: Can you cure rocks too long? If so, after they are cured can I take them out and let them sit dry until it's time to place them in the tank and begin the cycle?

Second question: Would it be overkill to cure the Marco Rocks?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

If you dry them they do die, but the organics will come off and likely so will a lot of the soft minerals and stuff like silicates.

And no , you can’t cure too long. Its actually cycling and developing the bacteria deep in the rocks.
You may have to to feed the Rock though.

I’d cure Marco in the exact same way as any other rock.

 

[Schnizzle]

Great. Just heat, flow and feed until I'm ready to setup and start the tank. Thanks!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Actually if done indoors....at a normal room temperature....heating the water isn't necessary. Just a little flow and you're good to go. Change water when nitrates get high. That's it. However, if you can, in a basement or closed room because that first "bath" can potentially be pretty stinky. As the cure continues (more water changes), the stink goes away.

 

[Schnizzle]

I'll be doing that part in my garage which is 60-70? Just have a small wall mount propane heater out there.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Mine was fine at that temp range.

 

[Schnizzle]

Even better. I'll go sans heat and see what happens. Thanks again!