Curing dead rock in a new tank

[printedgear]

I tried the search, but it didn't work.

I'm starting a new 30 gal tank and will be putting in live rock from the LFS. I've got some dead rock from my old tank. LFS says I shouldn't put it in there. Do you agree?

If I can put the dead rock in, how many lbs of dead rock vs live rock? Should I just buy all live rock - let the tank cycle - and then add dead rock?

Thanks!

 

[Scoobaman17]

I had a 25 gallon aquapod fully loaded. Setup a new 100 gallon display and bought nothing but man made rock. Very light and very cheap. Washed it in the bath tub with a pump for a few days. Change the water in the bath twice a day for about 3-4 days. Put all that fake rock in the 100 display. Waited 6 months like a good boy for the tank to cure while slowly moving rock by rock form my 25 gallon aquapod and now 2 years later I have a whole tank full of live rock. No ill effects. Just wash the @#$% out of the old dead rock and you'll be fine. "should"

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Is the dead rock uncured live rock or just sitting around dry rock(lace rock)?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14796488#post14796488 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scoobaman17
I had a 25 gallon aquapod fully loaded. Setup a new 100 gallon display and bought nothing but man made rock. Very light and very cheap. Washed it in the bath tub with a pump for a few days. Change the water in the bath twice a day for about 3-4 days. Put all that fake rock in the 100 display. Waited 6 months like a good boy for the tank to cure while slowly moving rock by rock form my 25 gallon aquapod and now 2 years later I have a whole tank full of live rock. No ill effects. Just wash the @#$% out of the old dead rock and you'll be fine. "should"

Now you were waiting 6 months for the PH to stabilize... correct?

 

[Scoobaman17]

Just get some live rock to help "seed" the dead rock. Like live sand. Get all dead and take a cup of mature live sand from another tank to help seed it. Here is the process of my tank from the fake dead rock to about a month ago being 2 years later.

 

[printedgear]

The rock I have has been in the attick for about a year.

 

[Scoobaman17]

No matter what it will have dust, bugs, spiders, mold, any of the above. By washing it for 3-4 days with a pump in the water and changing out the water twice a day you should be fine. If it really looks unsafe just get some dead rock form the store.

Remember, this will be the base to all your years to come with your bigger tank, so choose wisely. If you are unsure then go with your gut and get some new stuff

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

agreed,