how do i cure 90lbs of live rock?

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chirojosh

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Nov 24, 2006
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Okay I dont have it yet, still in the planning process. Im setting up a 75g FOWLR. I plan on getting the live rock from liveaquaria. I'll be getting (2) 45lb boxes. How should I do it, just buy all 90 lbs and throw it in at the same time? I know I shouldnt cure 45, then add the other 45 uncured right? How should I go about doing this? Oh and there wont be any fish in the tank until all 90 lbs has been cured.
 

Subliminal

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Feb 21, 2007
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Just fill your tank with water to the correct SG, then put your LR in, and let it run for a while. The die off should start your cycle, and eventually your tank will be ready to roll!
 

chirojosh

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Nov 24, 2006
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so I can add all 90 lbs at the same time then? nice I thought it would be more of a pain in the arse
 

Subliminal

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Naw, as long as you aren't adding fish right away, fill up the tank, put in some sand, some rock, whatever, and let it sit for a while, then start monitoring your ammonia, nitrite, nitrate. Should get a goodly amount of ammonia, then it should subside, then nitrite, then it should subside, then nitrate, wait for it to come down a bit, do a water change, and you'll be ready for fish before you know it.
 

Riverserver

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Apr 13, 2007
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Personally I would use trash cans and air stones. You can fit 45lbs of live rock in a 32 gallon trash can, comfortably. Curing rock can be messy, especially if you're trying to clean it out of the bottom of your tank.

Do 100% water changes twice a week until you get 0's across the board for ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite.
 

Star_Rider

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Dec 21, 2005
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I used 120 lbs of uncured live rock..put in the tank with proper sg and let it run like it was set up for FOWLR.(sans the fish of course)

I did not do any water changes for 4 weeks until the tank was cycled..then did 50% water change.

it might be different for cured LR but if the tank is not inhabited and this is true cured LR the die off is used to feed the bacteria and the mini cycle should be short lived.
 

Slappy*McFish

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Feb 18, 2002
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I cleaned my rock with a scrub brush and a bucket of saltwater before putting it my tank to cure during the cycle.
 

Grins

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May 1, 2007
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Personally I would use trash cans and air stones. You can fit 45lbs of live rock in a 32 gallon trash can, comfortably. Curing rock can be messy, especially if you're trying to clean it out of the bottom of your tank.

Do 100% water changes twice a week until you get 0's across the board for ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite.

I'd do the same, I'd not want the smell in my house.
 

Slappy*McFish

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Feb 18, 2002
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Hmm. I had no smell at all when I cured mine in the tank. My ammonia levels were off the charts for about a week, though. ;)
 
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