Thoughts on curing dry rock before cycling

[ShawnSaucier]

So I’m ready to add water to my new display. My scape is done with 90% marco and 10% of some older rock I’ve had sitting around for years. All has been through acid baths and the normal cleansing. I am considering running the system with just RODI and some rowa or purit for the next month before adding salt , bacteria and some live rock and sand. The idea is to hopefully pull any more phosphates, silicates ect from the rock that may be a possible leaching issue later. I have also read about adding kalk to help pull some of this out.
anyone done something similar??

 

[Snoopy 67]

I would just run without lighting & use the ROWA in saltwater.

 

[Softhammer]

After 20+ years I was under the impression that curing and cycling are one in the same. Unless your rock is made from fresh concrete. I see no benefit to that extensive procedure above.

 

[brandon429]

do it opposite.

cycle the rocks for the bacteria correctly, then do a brs four month delayed install technique. that pre curing step you're planning won't change the destiny in any measurable way. have the time spent taking on benthic diversity its all just about to be loaded up with bioload anyway, the pre work isn't altering the long term maturation of the tank at all.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd put the rock in RO/DI and see if phosphate is an issue. Silicate should not be.

 

[ShawnSaucier]

I'd put the rock in RO/DI and see if phosphate is an issue. Silicate should not be.

This is exactly what I was thinking also, just to avoid future issues.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Folks who do have very high phosphate on rock often treat with lanthanum since it is cheap

 

[ShawnSaucier]

Folks who do have very high phosphate on rock often treat with lanthanum since it is cheap

Ive done that in past builds with dry rock. Just thinking before I add salt and bacteria to maybe get ahead of the game a bit while the rock is settling