Nitrogen Cycle

[Stephen_Triche]

I am curing about 25 lbs of dry live rock in a brute tub with the lid on, one power head, and a heater set for 80 degrees. Should I expect the nitrogen cycle to take place during this time? I haven't cut/ designed any of my rock for my aquascape and now I am afraid that the time it takes me to do that from the brute to the actual tank will kill the good bacteria that is culturing on the rocks. I am green to the reefing life and I am pretty sure I did these to steps backwards. any help will be awesome. Thanks!!

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes a cycle occurs while curing rock..
Yes some bacteria will die off if you keep it out of the water for some time.. Faster you get it back into the water the better..

It will be fine.. Just watch your parameters after you get the tank setup to see if its ok to start adding creatures/corals,etc... You will want to ensure you test 0 for both nitrites and ammonia before any additions should be made.

 

[James77]

Yeah the less it is out of the water the better. But I wouldn't be concerned with 1 hour or so out of water. The die off of bacteria will be negligible. You can always pour water over it occasionally.

I am pretty sure I did these to steps backwards.

Welcome to the club :fun4: You're doing fine.