Dry Base Rock

[Will]

Here are the results from putting some Marco's base rock in a tub with a skimmer for a few days...Can you say "AMMONIA"

 

[spykes]

i assume he only got these rocks from the ocean, then dried them up under the sun. some organic decay is considered normal.

 

[Will]

Yea ..I agree , just didn't expect the high ammonia reading. That reading was taken after a 5 gal water changes on 15 gal of water. Good thing I didn't add the rock to my tank!!!

 

[jhale]

that's what cooking rocks is for

I saw their rocks at NERAC, they were the best looking base rocks I've ever seen in the hobby.

 

[PalmTree]

Wow I can only imagine what its going to smell like!

 

[reef93]

Does it smell very bad? I also got the marcorocks(it rocks) and curing in garage can but I didn't put the skimmer in it.

 

[PalmTree]

I think it really starts smelling when the nitrite levels start to pick up. I think you can use a skimmer if you want. I few water changes after all your levels drop won't hurt either.

 

[Will]

On the Marco's site they advise aggresive skimming and water changes. I am getting a little smell but not too bad. I did another 5 gal water change and the ammonia dropped a bit.

 

[PalmTree]

I was always under the impression that you should let the levels go all the way up peak and then drop. I don't know weather that is accurate or not. If you do a water change in mid cycle won't it affect the over process? Maybe slow it down? I could be completely wrong!! Someone chime in!

 

[reef93]

I've same impression about w/o skimmer and changing water during cycling process. I just let the dryrock sitting in the water 2-3wks then check the parameter later on.