Dead Rock

[texdoc77]

I have read so many posts and articles on how to "prepare rock" that I feel I have a very good handle on it. Like many things it appears much of the lingo is inferred and overly misused, not intentionally, but just because we don't always mean what we say. For example to me "curing" live rock means bleaching and/or acidifying previous live rock that has organics on it that need to be destroyed so that you can put it in a new tank. But I digress...

My main question has to do with dry rock. I have decided not to use anything but dry rock. I would like to prepare it to help decrease the amount of phosphate that will eventually leach from it. Do I have to do that in salt water, or is simple RODI fine for this. I cannot think of a reason why having the rock in salt water would be necessary for this. I will cycle the rock once I set my tank up to introduce bacteria at that time.

Thanks in advance for your input.

SC

 

[mcgyvr]

Phosphate won't often leach out as quickly/easily into freshwater as it would in saltwater.

If you are purchasing "used" rock then it is a good idea to do this type of leaching process.
Typical "dry rock" around here (mined from a quarry in Florida).. are clean/phosphate free and don't need curing

 

[texdoc77]

Phosphate won't often leach out as quickly/easily into freshwater as it would in saltwater.

Why? I'm not doubting but I'm curious as to why.

If you are purchasing "used" rock then it is a good idea to do this type of leaching process.
Typical "dry rock" around here (mined from a quarry in Florida).. are clean/phosphate free and don't need curing

It's BRS Reefsaver rock, bought new from BRS...

 

[mcgyvr]

Why? I'm not doubting but I'm curious as to why....

Solubility of the calcium phosphate I believe..