Curred or Uncurred

[blue oasis]

We bought a 90gal drilled early this week and are new to the saltwater world. We have a chance to buy Marshall and Deep Tonga Rocks but it is Uncurred. We were advised since we have to cycle our tank for several weeks it will cure during that time.
Is this a true statement, or should we only stay with curred LR?
N & G

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by BLUE OASIS
We bought a 90gal drilled early this week and are new to the saltwater world. We have a chance to buy Marshall and Deep Tonga Rocks but it is Uncurred. We were advised since we have to cycle our tank for several weeks it will cure during that time.
Is this a true statement, or should we only stay with curred LR?
N & G
Yes it is true. I cycled and cured my live rock when i started my tank also. No need to drop a raw shrimp in there to kickstart a cycle. When i put my LR in there i saw an ammonia spike the next day. Good luck and welcome to the world of saltwater.

 

[ithorian_r]

yes and i recommend cycling tanks with uncured rock compared to adding raw shrimp. i have cycled all my tanks with uncured rock and it works wonderfully!

 

[fishy7]

Sorry do not mean to hi-jack your post.
Will it have a foul smell as it cures? I am setting up a 215 next month and was ready to purchase 200lbs of cured live rock, to be added when they come to set up the tank.

 

[1journeyman]

Uncured Live rock has a great many plants and animals that will benifit your tank.
Do a search on this forum for "curing live rock". There is a great walkthrough that tells you how you clean off the rock when you first receive it to minimize die off and foul smell.
Also, according to Dr. Fenner, you should do water changes during the cycle to keep ammonia levels below.1. This will keep your ammonia from killing all your critters without interupting your cycle.