Rock Cycling Concerns

[Matt_Mc]

Hello.
I have a question or two concerning my rock cycling process. After bleaching my rocks for 2 weeks I let them dry in the sun for a week and then started the cycling or curing process in a garbage can with saltwater, a pump, a heater and fish food squares. I was not checking any levels but would do a 20% water change every two weeks. My family and I suddenly decided to move to another house and the cycling stopped. My rocks sat in the garbage can in the same salt water without a pump or heater for two months. I just replaced 95% of the water and turned the pump and heater back on. So my question is have I done enough to restart the process? Or should I go back through the bleaching process and start from square one? I am in the middle of the longest build in saltwater history so time is not an issue. My main concern is start my system properly so that I have the best opportunity to succeed. Thanks for your time, have a great day!

Matt

 

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i would never use bleach on rocks myself. but i’m wondering how you were able to determine the ammonia levels of you weren’t testing?

 

[reeferfoxx]

I just replaced 95% of the water and turned the pump and heater back on.

If this is all you've done and assuming you have mixed the water at 1.024-1.026, I would add some ammonia and see if it processes it like a normal cycle. After that is confirmed, I would test phosphates. I don't think the rock itself has gone bad considering it's history and also not having any organisms dying within the rock.