Live Rock - curing

[newbietina]

I have in my 75g tank only 11# live rock been in there 1 1/2 weeks...the tank is now 3 wks old...i was given a peppermint shrimp to eat the aiptatia on the rock and i need to add more...with the shrimp in my tank, can i add uncured rock to the tank so it can cure while my tank is still doing the cycling process?

 

[lion_crazz]

No, the curing of the rock will cause an ammonia spike, which will kill the shrimp. I would take the shrimp out, give him to a friend or LFS to hold for you, and then add your rock. This is the best time to cycle your rock, since your tank is still cycling.

 

[saltynoob]

I have a question as well along the same line.
If you purchase LR from the LFS that they have cured in thier tanks could you add it to your tank at home? I am thinking no because thier tank and your tank is different but what do you do then? :help:

 

[julie853]

I have added LR to my tank from a LFS that was cured and it caused a spike in my tank that almost wiped out my yellow tang and Flame hawkfish.They survived it but now I cure the rock even if it's been cured at the LFS before placing it in my tank.It's not worth the risk to me.

 

[lastresort]

How do you cure the LR?I need to add about 100lbs to my newly cycled tank.

 

[julie853]

I have 25 pounds of rock curing right now.I have mine in a large tupperware container that I purchaed from walmart I also have a heater in there at around 80 degrees.I also have an air pump in there to keep the wter circulating and then I have a over the back filter running.This is my way of curing it I will probaly leave it in there for a couple of weeks.Not sure if this is the correct way but since doing this I havent had any problems with my tank when I do add my LR.

 

[lastresort]

After doing this do you add the entire 25 pounds at one time?

 

[julie853]

Yes I sure do.I might take a toothbrush and clean the rock alittle make sure its pretty clean then I add it all at once.