Cycling tank confusion

[Kaimana969]

Ok, thanks for all of this great advice. I think I've got it cleared up in my mind. I'll follow BRS's advice to cure the Pukani in a barrel in the garage to decrease the smell in the house. We don't even have the tank yet, so this will give us a head star. And the husband would flip out about the smell.

 

[JUNBUG361]

Lol :thumbsup:

 

[McGarnicle]

What about the issue of phosphate leaching from the dry Pukani?

I'm in the setup phase as well and have 125 lbs of Pukani I have been preparing to "cure" in order to leech out the phosphate. From the reading I've done on the subject I was under the impression this was the way to avoid high amounts phosphate in the system while it is cycling, thus minimizing nuisance algae growth during the tank cycle.

This was my concern as well.

I planned on keeping my rock in the garage soaking for about 2 months with heat and a power head, then throw it in my DT for another month just to make sure the phosphates are manageable.

 

[Kaimana969]

This was my concern as well.

I planned on keeping my rock in the garage soaking for about 2 months with heat and a power head, then throw it in my DT for another month just to make sure the phosphates are manageable.

I'm thinking that's a good idea as well. The high level of phosphates had me rethinking my choice for Pukani rock but I just like the look of it too much as well as how easy it appears to aquascape.

 

[aphinney]

Good read

 

[Diana A]

Pukani rock takes a longer time to cycle then other rocks...that has been my experience and others i know. But it is the most easiest to get that seamless look of rocks fitting together.