Adding Live Rock

[robrich342]

I have a 7 month old system. Its 92gals and has about 125 lbs of LR. I want to add more. My question is if I put cured LR in , should have problems with spikes yes or no ? I want to add like 30 more pounds.

[papagimp]

Depends on weather you cured it yourself or if the store claims it's cured. Live rock is always going to have "x" amount of dieoff depending upon time out of water/travel/ect. ect.

Cure it to be safe, or add in very small amounts over time. Test often.

[UrbanSage]

About eight months back I added 35lbs Fiji to my already 85lbs mixed LR in a 75 gal.

I ordered the rock uncured and cured it myself. After about two weeks if I remember correctly I added the rock to the tank. Never saw a cycle.

Also, I just removed half of my rock and replaced it with a different kind of rock. If I choose to be paranoid then I think I saw a hint of a tiny change in ammonia.

I will replace the remaining rock this week.

Just cure it and I wouldn't worry much. Just keep some mixed water on hand for emergency water changes.

[AquaReeferMan]

Yeah I recommend curing any rock you get before placing it into your system. You wont have to worry about any spikes then. I added like 20 more pounds into my 20g a couple of months ago. I cured it in a 5 gallons bucket for 2-3 weeks. I didnt see any spikes.

[robrich342]

how do you cure it yourself ?

[UrbanSage]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8785220#post8785220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by robrich342
how do you cure it yourself ?

Curing means letting the natural die-off happen. Let bacteria establish on the rock to convert ammonia from the dieoff to nitrite then nitrate.

You basically cycle the rock and go through the nitrogen cycle.

I use a 25g rubbermaid bucket with a skimmer, a good powerhead or two and I like to use light as well. Some people keep it in darkness.

[AquaReeferMan]

This link tells you everything you need to know.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general.cfm?general_pagesid=31

[robrich342]

tnx