Live rock addition without cycle?

[dgee]

I learned the hard way and added 15 # of live rock 6 wks ago to my 100 gal tank and had another cycle... This time I purchased cured live rock again but placed in a seperate tank for the last 4 wks.
When is it safe to add to my 100 gal tank?
Any precautions - like wash in fresh or salt water?
Safe amount of #'s to add?
It smells normal, has some algae (brown) growing on it.... but sure would love to avoid another cycle if possible!
Thanks for any suggestions

 

[trigger11]

As long as the rock is cured you could add it anytime. I believe the key factor is always keeping the rock in water. For example, if you buy rock from a LFS and you do not get it in a bucket with water, maybe in a plastic bag without any water, then you will get die off. In your case you have the LR right there and if you just take it out of the one tank and put it in the other there shouldnt be any die off at all.
That's my .02 cents.

 

[dgee]

Thanks.... I think that may be true...but after last time - I am so afraid to

[hr]
up my tank again....
Would you rinse it off ??? or just move it?
Amazing how quick a bad things can happen!

 

[nycbob]

i add lr to my reef tank all the time. i buy them from my lfs. the transport time is like 2-3 hours. i dont hv any problem w new cycle.

 

[trigger11]

If the rock looks good I would just move it over without rinsing it. If it looks nasty then you could use a new toothbrush and rinse with saltwater.