tips on curging marco rocks

[rtecanoe]

I'm setting up a new tank using predominantly marco rocks I purchased a while ago (great pieces by the way, thanks Marc), and was wondering if any of you who have used these have any tips as far as curing goes, how long it took your rock to cycle etc.
Thanks,
Rick

 

[Hogs]

You said that you purchased this rock a while ago. Were these rocks dried out or were they kept in moving water all of this time and if so, how long?

 

[Editour2]

The rock is sold dry.

 

[DEXTER SOLIS]

I dont think your cycling the rocks, more like seeding it with live rock from a donor tank. might as well go 4 weeks wiouth any fish to kill any bad bugs.

 

[pecan2phat]

He still needs to cure the Marco rock. There is still quite a bit of dried, dead thingamajigs in the rock to decay once it is rehydrated.

Don't cure this in your new tank or you will see **** yellow water :lol:

Use a rubbermaid or brute trash can and fill with saltwater. If you have a existing tank, then do a water change and use that water, if not, then use newly mixed saltwater.
Best if you can keep the water moving with a powerhead and even better if you can put a skimmer on.

Change out the water every 1 to 2 weeks and you should be ready to rock in about 6 weeks.

 

[shyland83]

It's not a bad idea to cure it with a piece of live rock. I cured 50lbs of marco with 50lbs of cured live rock and it cycled pretty quickly. I useda heater and a powerhead. do water changes while it's curing. It;s been about 4 months and the rock is coloring up beautifully.

 

[rtecanoe]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input!

 

[Wimby]

sorry to but in here but I am in the process of curing some marco rocks now since sept 29th and well was looking at the rock the other day and there seems to be white filmy stuff on the rocks looks to be coming out of the holes in the rock I have 2 powerheads in there and some sand and rock from an excisting tank so far the ammonia has been of the charts anyways anyone have any idea of what the filmy stuff could be

 

[vyger]

It took me quite awile to cure 30lbs of Marco rock ..it was still producing high ammonia after 3 wks. in a rubbermaid tub with a skimmer and frequent water changes... I finally bought some stuff that the owner suggested to speed up the process ...I'm don't remember what it was but it cycled the water in about 2 days. That was in May and the rock has colored up very nicely with some help..... I really like the rock ...large pieces and they look like they are very porus... and lightweight

 

[rtecanoe]

Vyger - do you remember where you bought the stuff to help cycle the rocks that marco rocks recommends? Its fritz turbo start 900, but I don't know if anyone carries it locally.
thanks

 

[bobbbm]

I bought that stuff at Country Critters.

 

[rtecanoe]

thanks

 

[vyger]

I think I also got it at Country Critters...

 

[Editour2]

Can anyone tell me how much CC was charging, (looking for the 4oz bottle)? I called Fritz and they wanted $20 plus $50 for shipping, (total $70), CRAZY. The active ingredient remains viable for 3 months in the refrigerator, so I would think that the bottles are dated.

 

[vyger]

Not sure but I think it was aound 20 bucks at CC......I know it was no where near 70....can't believe they sell much of it for that price!!!!