Rock question

[Gaspipe]

I have no tank yet, still learning But,

Some local guy on CL is selling a good amount of "premium Tonga and Fiji Live Rock". I was wondering if I should perhaps swing by and see if I could grab some choice rocks for a future build. I really want the branch rock which I do NOT see in the pics. BTW I hope I am not breaking any rules by posting this listing.

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/for/d/reef-tank-live-rock-for-sale/6861679148.html

What are some of the things I should know? I do not want any of his "life" on it as I do not know this person so would prefer to start with dry rock and cure it later on when I have a tank and am ready.

1. How would I store this rock?
2. Is this going to smell if anything alive on it is dying?
3. Any other bits I should know before I waste this man's time?

Thanks!!
Gaspare

 

[Mjrenz]

I have no tank yet, still learning But,

Some local guy on CL is selling a good amount of "premium Tonga and Fiji Live Rock". I was wondering if I should perhaps swing by and see if I could grab some choice rocks for a future build. I really want the branch rock which I do NOT see in the pics. BTW I hope I am not breaking any rules by posting this listing.

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/for/d/reef-tank-live-rock-for-sale/6861679148.html

What are some of the things I should know? I do not want any of his "life" on it as I do not know this person so would prefer to start with dry rock and cure it later on when I have a tank and am ready.

1. How would I store this rock?
2. Is this going to smell if anything alive on it is dying?
3. Any other bits I should know before I waste this man's time?

Thanks!!
Gaspare

If you want to make it dry rock just leave it sit out in the sun to dry and bleach for a few weeks and rinse it well. You could store it in cardboard boxes until you're ready to use it then

 

[Crazyfishguy]

You can also bleach the rocks. The steps to do so would be put the rocks in a large bucket. Add a cap full of bleach and a small mixing pump. Leave them in there for about 24hrs. Dump the bucket and rinse off the rocks and bucket. Refill the bucket witch water and put the rocks back in it. Place the pump after rinsed off back in the bucket and then let it sit for a few days to be safe. That will kill off everything on the rocks. And letting it sit and clean water for a few days with a pump stirring the water around will remove any bleach.

 

[Gaspipe]

Thanks gents, I watched a few @Bulk Reef Supply videos on a) their curing method where they compared the different ways to cure rock (natural, acid, bleach, acid and bleach). As well as their newer 4 month cycle which I think I would do since I really want to do this with the highest chance of success the first time. Regardless if I buy this person's rock or from another source. Could anyone please provide feedback if this plan is well laid out? Thanks!

1. Place purchased rock into a Brute can, add 10:1 (tap water to clorox bleach) for 2 weeks.
   1. Should the can be covered the entire time?
   2. Should I change the water/bleach solution after a week?
   3. No heater, no pump
   4. Can I use a plastic bin vs a Brute can? not sure the bin will be NSF
2. After two weeks, rinse the pail and rock with a garden hose (tap water) thoroughly
3. Allow the rocks to dry in the sun for a few hours or so
4. Begin aquascape. Once I have the design I like, place rocks back in can with salt water (rodi, not tap) for ~4 months.
   1. Should the can/bin be covered to remove light the entire time?
   2. heater and pump will be in receptacle during cycle period
   3. perform 50% water changes once a week (is 50% too much?)
   4. should I add something like: One & Only, 5280 Copepods and Oceanmagik (which is a bit expensive and would hate to use this now if it's not going to be effective) or if there is something else I should add at a certain point in the 4 month period.
5. Once ready, turn off the pump and allow to water to settle (60 min or so) then syphon half the water from the top) into tank. Add rocks as scape was planned. Discard the bottom 50% of water.
6. Allow tank (which will be bare bottom) to settle for a week or so running all pumps, heaters, etc.

Appreciate the read, I know it's a bit long and winded, just trying to be thorough and have a good plan of action.
Thanks again!