preparing dry rock for use

[Fishmas]

I have read that when you start to cycle a new system if you use dry rock it will release contaminants into the water. Causing rise in levels of certain minerals as well as affecting ph.

Should I just fill my sump with RO water and give the rocks a good soak before I fill the tank with water and salt. Why use quality clean salt water to soak rocks in? Or is the chemical release caused by the salt water?

I have time and would like to get the best start possible when I begin to cycle the tank. I do not want to start with high levels of something Idid not need to.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

I think it would depend on what kind of dry rock you are using. Some rock will leach phosphates into your water . If it has been used before without any problems it should be o.k.

 

[Bruce51]

I started with 50+ pounds of Marco dry rock. Did a muriatic acid wash, approx 10 to 1 water to acid. after acid wash rocks weighed 47 pounds. Currently cycling rocks in a 18 gallon bin with a power head for circulation, a heater set to 78 degrees, and 1 very big raw shrimp. Using Instant ocean sea salt. Going to let rocks cycle for around 8-10 weeks, feeding it with shrimp every 2-3 weeks.

 

[SnoopyDaPimp]

You are going to have to cycle the tank regardless. Just make sure you rinse the rock off good outside with your hose and put them in the tank. After that you can add your sand and RODI in order to begin the journey. After that add 1 tsp of flake/pellet food per 10g of water per day with no lights on until you have no nh3/no3/no4 readings for a few days.

 

[RayAllen3422]

Yeah I am in the same boat as the OP. I am starting a new tank. My plan is to scrub the rocks with RODI to get as much dead stuff off. Then cure it in the tank at the same as I cycle. Is this process seems reasonable. I see some people say yes on here and some say no.

 

[Fishmas]

I am using brand new dry marco rock, 110lbs in 130gal tank 50 gal sump. I have heard to leave the substrate out until closer to adding first dry rock. Any validity in this?.

Also suggestions on substrate. I am adding it for ascetic reasons.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Put the rock in first then add sand. Sometimes the sand shifts because of being moved by shrimp, crabs or fish. If it is under the rock it may make the rock move or fall.

 

[gone fishin]

FWIW I moved cross country 5 years ago. I broke down my tank and put the rock in some totes, it sat in the garage of the new place for about 4 months. I removed the now very dead rock and put it on the deck and hosed it off a few times. In the tank it went and has been there ever since.

 

[droog]

I have read that when you start to cycle a new system if you use dry rock it will release contaminants into the water. Causing rise in levels of certain minerals as well as affecting ph.

Should I just fill my sump with RO water and give the rocks a good soak before I fill the tank with water and salt. Why use quality clean salt water to soak rocks in? Or is the chemical release caused by the salt water?

I have time and would like to get the best start possible when I begin to cycle the tank. I do not want to start with high levels of something Idid not need to.

I started my tank with all live rock, and got a lot of very bad hitchhikers. Had I known what I do now, I would have started with dry rock like you. Next time, I will do this.

I'd cure the rock in saltwater for a couple of months in a tote. Measure phosphate level and and treat with lanthanum chloride as needed and measure Po4 until its below 0.1ppm for several weeks. Then rinse off and put in your tank and dose pure ammonia to cycle.

You want to cure the rock with saltwater rather than fresh water. And install your own RODI unit to make new salt water. This hobby uses a lot of water. Any shortcuts you take now bite you in the a** later. Every hour of effort you spend getting things right first time saves you more than 10 down the road. Really.

-droog

 

[Psychomantix]

I am using brand new dry marco rock, 110lbs in 130gal tank 50 gal sump. I have heard to leave the substrate out until closer to adding first dry rock. Any validity in this?.

Also suggestions on substrate. I am adding it for ascetic reasons.

I added some rocks first before adding my sand as well and kinda regretted it. When you add sand, it will stay suspended in the water column and wont settle for a few days (depending on granule size). When it does settles, it settled all over the rocks. I have to spend like an hour blowing it off my rocks with a turkey baster.