base rock

[Jarrett]

i have a shipmet of base rock coming to my house in a couple days of the florida reef rock that reef cleaners offer. i am just curious can i just add the base rock directly to my tank? should i cure it more when i get it? and can i put as much as i want to put in all at once or do i have to add pieces slowly.

 

[Raul]

Most places claim they are precured but I don't trust that. I would cure any rock that is going into an established tank... Better safe than sorry

 

[savage]

If your starting a new setup no problem... Just don't put it in a established tank...

 

[Jarrett]

its an established tank with all my live rock from my previous set up i am just adding more rock to it. so what should i do to it when i get it?

 

[isnyc300]

put it in a bucket and let it cure. there will be plenty of die off because of shipping. then add it slowly to your tank to avoid a mini cycle

 

[KathyC]

put it in a bucket and let it cure. there will be plenty of die off because of shipping. then add it slowly to your tank to avoid a mini cycle

+1
No rock that comes via shipping is cured. Cure it first and then add it.

 

[Jarrett]

why is their die off i thought base rock is dead rock shouldn't their be no die off?

 

[Jarrett]

just put it in a bucket of saltwater and thats it? no heater, no powerehead? and how long do i do that for

 

[KathyC]

just put it in a bucket of saltwater and thats it? no heater, no powerehead? and how long do i do that for

No...in a bucket of SW with a heater and a power head and a piece of live rock to seed it with bacteria and use the water from your water changes (in your current tank) every now and then to do a water change on it.

Also give it some food every few days to keep the bacteria alive (they do need to eat.)

The same type cycle you did with your tank

 

[Jarrett]

how long do i have to do that for. before i can add the rock to my tank

 

[KathyC]

how long do i have to do that for. before i can add the rock to my tank

Ideally until the cycle is complete so your tank will not experience a mini cycle.
It will probably take 4 or more weeks until the ammonia & nitrites finally drop down to zero and the nitrate has risen and leveled off - then do another water change before adding to your tank.

 

[Jarrett]

ok thanks for the tips everybody