Using Old Rock

[GaryZ]

Getting back into the hobby after a few years. I'm ready to cycle my tank and I'm wondering if there is any significant downside to using old dry rock for cycling. The plan is to cycle the tank with old rock and a few raw shrimp and then seed the old rock after with live rock. Been a few years and I'm not sure if there are better ways to cycle a tank.

Thanks

Gary

[firewalk30]

thats the best way i know of

[AzCondor]

thats the way i would do it too

[GaryZ]

Thanks guys. This hobby changes so much, I wasn't sure if a later and greater method has been developed.

[AzCondor]

no problem, welcome back!

[Plan>B]

Not knowing how the rock was before.... it might be a good idea to cook it for a bit to get the PO4 out.

[padi200]

I agree with that!

[GaryZ]

Too late! Haha!

Thanks for the advice. Next time. :)

[lordofthereef]

You are more than likely going to see sky high ammonia and the like from decomposing matter. If it does go off the charts some water changes should help. You will probably also have to wait longer than many to get everything fully cycles. I suppose the positive side of things is you didn't have to go in and do a bunch of washing and scrubbing of the rock :)

[Gatesoray]

If rock was in tank that was not well cared for, the PO4 levels can be a challenge. This is from DIRECT (painful) experience.