live rock

[dannyp408]

i have a quetion on live rock
i was wondering what is the different between cure and uncure live rock. and if i bought uncure live rock what do i have to do to cure it or is it suitable to put uncure live rock in a tank . i am asking this because i can get uncure rock for much cheaper then cure and i am on a budge. and advice would be great thanks.

 

[owlett]

form what I know, cured live rock is live rock that has been allowed to sit for awhile so that all the dead and dying stuff on it clears off and the rock is considered "clean".
Non cured live rock smells pretty funky and has a ton of stuff decaying on it usually. Some people have thrown in live rock that is uncured into their tank just when they start out to help cycle the tank a bit. This of course makes the ammonia and nitrite levels soar, which is just a first process of cycling a tank.
To cure live rock you have to let it sit in a well filtrated and aireated tank or bucket for a couple of days or weeks or something depending on the rock in order for the die off to happen. You have to change the water on a daily basis and some people gently scrape off the stuff they can see is just dead. After awhile the rock will smell nice and you can drop it into your tank.
In my opinion, cured rock is worth the money you spend on it if you want to save time, that's what I did. I'm on a budget too, so by using cured live rock I can buy what I want when I can afford and jus drop it into the tank that day without having to spen all the time making it cured.

 

[dannyp408]

thanks for the advice i let the uncure live rock in salt water and does it needs filter and water circulation or do i just let it sit and salt water and change the water every day and how do i know if it is good i am new at this with alot off question but not alot of sense of direction . i read but i liket to get advices also.

 

[frankl15207]

Do a search for "curing live rock" on the internet. Use the quotes. You'll find a lot of helpful links on exactly how to do it.
Whether curing your own makes it cheaper in the long run would depend on whether or not you have the proper equipment to cure it. Generally a protein skimmer and several powerheads are needed, along with several massive water changes.

 

[otto13]

Stick it in the bucket with a powerhead to get the circulation moving. This helps all the dead particles to come free of the rock. Mostly sponges. The water changes help remove all the crud from the water. You will definitely know by the smell when it is ready. Pull the rock out of the water and sniff. Does it smell like dead stuff or just kinda rich, like soil. If it smells like rich soil with a hint of metal "this is just what i think it smells like when ready" then you are good to go.

 

[finland]

To cure live rock, you need plenty of circulation, lighting is optional (i'd recommend it though as some life on the rock may need it), and a large water change at the end of the cycle. A hang on filter would help clean out the floating debris , but the filter pad needs to be cleaned daily. A skimmer helps clean the water too. Test the ammo and trites to know when the rock is cured(should be zero), also smell the rock. If it is not done curing, it reeks big time.It will take approximately a month to fully cure.