Curing Rock? When is it ready?

[delira5cal]

I ordered some rock and have had it curing since the 11th of Feb. I have done 50% water changed and have scrubed it, I have it in a rubbermaid container with 2 powerheads. Anyway, I checked the chemical levels today and this is what I got ammonia is 0, Nitrate was 80, Nitrite was 5.0 . Do I need to check all levels or how do I know when it is safe to put in my tank? I want to add it to my tank real bad but I don't want to screw everything up either. Thanks in advance.

 

[nereef]

Anyone can corrrect me if i am wrong, but since you have nitrates and no amonia, this means that the amonia spike has already happened in the rubbermaid. this means that the dieoff on the rock is taken care of, and it should be safe to add it to the tank.

 

[delira5cal]

Thanks for your input, anyone else?

 

[wax32]

Originally Posted by delira5cal
Nitrite was 5.0
Not till that is zero.

 

[coachklm]

thats correct nitrite's dangerous

 

[nereef]

Originally Posted by wax32
Not till that is zero.
will those nitrites be transfered to the tank?

 

[ninjamini]

If there are nitrites then the bacteria has not formed to turn nitrites into nitrate. Until that forms on the rock...no its not ready.

 

[mudplayerx]

Take the rock out of the container and smell it. If it smells like the ocean, then it is done. If it reeks even slightly, then it is not. This is how I have always cured live rock with no error so far.

 

[wax32]

Originally Posted by ninjamini
If there are nitrites then the bacteria has not formed to turn nitrites into nitrate. Until that forms on the rock...no its not ready.
EXACTAMUNDO!!!!!

 

[delira5cal]

So now basically I need to be checking the nitrites? Do I even need to test for nitrates? So as I understand I am finished with my ammonia spike and now have to go through the cycling of the nitrites? Sorry still a little rough on some things.

 

[jester805]

Not to hijack your post, but I ordered 20 pounds of live rock from this site. It's supposed to show up today from FedEx. Do I need to cure it????

 

[coachklm]

yes always cure rock you order... if nothing else just to be safe.

 

[bonebrake]

Originally Posted by delira5cal
So now basically I need to be checking the nitrites? Do I even need to test for nitrates? So as I understand I am finished with my ammonia spike and now have to go through the cycling of the nitrites? Sorry still a little rough on some things.
Yes, do not add the rock to your display tank until nitrites are undetectable.
:joy: