cycling with uncured rock

[cordell]

I'm wondering if it would be ok to cycle a new tank with uncured live rock? Would the ammonia get too high? I'm just wondering because it is cheaper and all... and since I'm on a budget..... but if not recommended, ok.
thanks,
cordell

 

[ren]

The best cycling I've found is some large raw grocery shrimp - buy a pound or 2 and throw 3 or 4 in the tank and cook the rest - have a good meal lol and let the 3-4 bake in the tank with just LS. Once you see the ammonia start to fall throw in the LR if uncured - might stall the ammonia drop or make it raise a bit more. You'll get a near bullitproof bacteria base off this.

 

[nm reef]

Cycling a new system with uncured LR is a great way to establish a system...it may take a little longer...and is a bit more maintenance intensive...but it works just fine. No need for fish or shrimp. The LR will establish the system on its own.:thinking:

 

[cordell]

yeah that's what I was thinking.. since I can get it alot cheaper, and I'm not adding it to an already setup tank, it would be ok and would kick start the cycle. I should probably expect alot of water changes huh?

 

[bang guy]

Cycling with uncured rock is my favorite. You can just let it go for a couple of months if you want. I prefer to do lots of water changes to maximize the number of critters that survive. I try to keep the ammonia near 0.5ppm.

 

[erikandstacie]

I cycled my tank with uncured rock. As stated above, it took longer (about 2.5 months), and I too did MANY water changes, but I was very happy with the results. Besides, who wants to dismantle a reef to get out those nasty little devil damselfish out when it's all done, and the shrimp just seems a little unnatural (maybe forced is a better word to use) to me. If you have patience, in my opinion uncured rock is the way to go. Good luck!

 

[cordell]

So it would probably be a good idea to go ahead and put any base rock in with the uncured live rock at the same time, right?
Also.. where is a good place to get base rock? I was thinking about doing 50/50 base rock/live rock. My LFS charges like $2.99/lb for base rock! I wish SWF.COM sold it! Love that free shipping... :joy:

 

[cordell]

Also.. would $2.79/lb shipped next day air be a good price for Caribbean Uncured Live Rock?

 

[bdubbya]

Is it the aquacultured type? If so that sound like a great deal. Just be warned. I've heard you get lots of mantis in rock from this area. I've cycled a couple of tanks with uncured LR, sure it takes a little longer, but it's cheaper and there's a better chance of keeping more hitchhikers alive (the good and the bad). Assuming you do frequent water changes.
Good luck.

 

[cordell]

well it's that kind that is on sale at .. $1.60/lb plus shipping came out to $2.79. It says that it comes from Haiti.
We do not allow reference to sites which compete with our host...sorry.