Live rock

[Szwalla]

If one were to buy live rock that was not cured, what would they do with it?

Cannot put it in the tank. How would it get cured?

[nwrogers]

I use a 14 gallon Rubbermaid container with a powerhead, saltwater, and a heater. This will do a 45 pound box of live rock. Usually takes about 3 weeks. In the mean time I do 3 or 4 100% water changes and turn on only actinic fluorescents for a couple hours a day. You have to be careful not to put to much light on the rock or you will have an algae bloom. I test for ammonia before doing the water changes and remove unwanted sponges and other junk when it shows up. It may be smart to wear gloves to handle it for the first time out of the box. I am sure others have good ways to do it and will share. Did I forget anything?

[Szwalla]

Does it definitely need lights?

[nwrogers]

no

[bigkev76]

Adding the actinic lights helps get new and keep the coralline algae already on the rock. It is not really necessary, but after it is cured and you put it in your tank with full light, it may bleach out the remaining coralline. It will come back though after a while.

[bigkev76]

BTW, if you hace access to another skimmer of some sort, it doesn't hurt to put that on the rock as well.