Do I understand correctly?

krp

krp

Member
O.K. I'm new to saltwater and am setting up a 55g. I ordered some live rock and it should be here in a few days. I am planning on curing the rock in my tank. So...
I guess I need to go on and get my water in the tank so when the live rock gets here I can put it right in. From reading various threads I should scrub any dead matter off the rocks before I put the rock in the tank. Leave the live sand out until the rock is cured to easier vacuum out any debris. Only run the lights for about 6hrs daily and do frequent water changes.
Does this sound correct? How do you know when the rock is cured? Anything I'm missing? Thanks for any advice.
 
bigarn

bigarn

Active Member
Put the sand and rock in together. I f you're cycleing the tank with this rock there's really no need to scrub it first, because the die off helps to start the cycle. After the ammonia and nitrites both spike and return to 0 the cycle is done. Some people wait for this to happen and others do water changes once the ammonia starts to spike. It's up to you, both ways seem to work. Be sure to have a test kit for ammonia and nitrites. :D
Oh yeah ... once the tank is cycled you can consider the rock cured. :happyfish
 
airforceb2

airforceb2

Active Member
Your process sounds pretty good. I would fill up the tank as soon as possible so you can get the temperature and salinity stable.
You will know when the rock is cured by testing your water and finding out when your cycle is over. Once your ammonia and nitrites are at 0, your cycle is done. Do a nice water change to get the nitrates down below 20.
Keep your skimmer off during the cycle and just circulate your water with powerheads and your filter.
 
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