How much water is needed to cycle live rock. Need Advice

[KROLL20]

I am trying to cycle some live rock. I have 30 lbs in 10 gal of water. All of the rock is covered with water and I have 2 power heads circulating the water. My ammonia has been off of the chart that I have been using to test with. I have been cycling for 9 days now. I have been changing the water often. I have even done a complete water change twice and put the rocks in a new tub so I could easily get rid of all of the dyeing detrius on the bottom of the tub. I have been doing other changes of 5 gal every other day. I have been keeping the lid on the tub the rock is in to help with controlling the odor. I have left one corner open a couple of inches to allow ventilation for a air stone.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

Did you rip off all of the sponges first?

Is the water heated?

Everything else you're doing looks fine but 9 days isn't very long for uncured live rock. It should clear up soon if you continue what you're doing.

 

[KROLL20]

Yes it is heated. I have been keeping it at 78. I did remove all of the dead sponges and ect that I could. Do you think I should keep changing water or let it cycle with the same water if my ammonia is so high?

 

[Anonymous]

I would continue changing water to keep ammonia low.