base rock

[tiller25]

i purchased a 120g tank from a hobbyist and with it he gave me about 25lbs of base rock he had in the tank. The rock has been out of the tank for about 6 mo. and the 120g isn't set-up yet. i want to re-arange my aquascape in my 29g tank and was wondering if i could put the base rock directly into the tank(without removing the rock already in there) or would i have to cure it first? thanks.

[jprince58]

You don't need to cure base-rock. The "curing" process applies to live rock and refers to the normal die-off of biological organisms. However, you may want to power wash and then soak the base rock for a few days in RO (changing the water a couple times) before using it.

[tiller25]

alright thanks for the info. do i have to add salt to the water i soak it in or can i put it straight ro water?

[jprince58]

Just straight RO will work nicely. Power washing get any residual stuff off of it. The soaking process just allows any surface impurities to leach into the water...that's why you need to change it.

[tiller25]

thanks a lot. i will do that.