Safe to cover curing rock

USMA36 · Sep 15, 2020

I have about 50 lbs of dry reef cleaners dry rock and another 50 of old dead rock from a used setup I bought. Can I cure this rock with the cover on the brut can? Will the lid cause a lack of oxygen? Will the lack of light hurt the process? I just added the rock water a heater and an mp40 I have not added the bottled bacteria yet. Rock will probably cool for about 3 months before new tank and other needed equipment arrive.

Alchameth · Sep 15, 2020

Lid isn't air tight so I'd think it would be fine. I'd just make sure the pump is getting some surface agitation. Or, if you're worried about it you could always add an air pump.

PicassoClown04 · Sep 15, 2020

I keep all my extra rock in a rectangular storage bin with a lid on. I keep and old pump in there to keep everything moving and it’s all good!! I recently used a lot of it for a new build and completely skipped my cycle so I’d say it’s okay!

mrpizzaface · Sep 15, 2020

All good

brandon429 · Sep 15, 2020

you will 100% want it uncovered and highly aerated.

brutes totally empty will stink fast with covers, much less packed organics curing out. must be oxygenated process, no cover at all.

BighohoReef · Sep 15, 2020

I use those black bins from Lowes or Costco to cure all my dry rock covered. Threw an old jaebo pump and heater in... I check it once a week to make sure parameters haven't changed too much or if I get an ammonia spike. I've used this technique to cure rock 4-5 times now. It should be it's own self contained environment, reduces smell of any die off, and helps keep evaporation down... not sure why folks say it needs to be uncovered.

This is a great video for explaining the curing process:

mrpizzaface · Sep 15, 2020

brandon429 said:
you will 100% want it uncovered and highly aerated.

brutes totally empty will stink fast with covers, much less packed organics curing out. must be oxygenated process, no cover at all.