Curing live rock... okay maybe a stupid question

[hannahsmom]

Okay I know the basics of curing live rock but I am wondering if I buy fresh from the ocean and put in Saltwater to start a new 375g tank how long would it take? I have only used my own tank water from an established tank and it doesn't take too long. Also if there are any corals on it especially zoos because this guy has 50# rocks covered with zoos like 1000 on one rock will all of those die off? I imagine the only problem would be an ammonia spike? Ph should remain fairly stable and zoos are pretty hearty. I obviously want to keep all the zoos alive so need to know whether I can drop into plain saltwater or if I have to move all my corals from my 180 and use that tank? HELP

 

[jhale]

can you clarify, do you want to mix un-cured live rock, with cycled live rock from someone's tank, to start a new tank?

 

[hannahsmom]

Well I have a large 375g tank I will be starting that is one tank but also have a 180g established.

I am ordering lived rock fresh from the ocean so I thought. One type is covered in zoos huge pieces the other type is just plain corraline rock. I am not so concerned about curing the plain corraline rock I can just put it in the large tank and let it go. He did say the polyp rocks and some of the corraline rock has been in holding tanks for weeks but some of the corraline rock has not been so it will be fresh from the ocean.

I am worried about the best way to cure the zoo rock. If I add it to the large tank the ammonia and nites and ph will all ruin the zoos if not kill them. Since these are huge show size pieces of zoos some are 2foot by 2 foot I want to keep them alive.

I am thinking I will put the zoo rocks in my 180 after having taken out all the corals and fish and part of the live rock to cure those. I don't want to risk any nudis or sundials either so that is another reason for removing all my current corals.

 

[jhale]

I see.

I would cure them separately, like you said.

the zoas will need light, but the rock should not be thrown into the display tank either. with shipping you will experience some die-off sponges etc, so there will still be the possibility of a mini-cycle. the rock form the ocean can be cured in the the 375 or a separate bin with a protein skimmer, that will need a few weeks. keep checking the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

I'd like to have spykes and solbby come and give their thoughts on cycling,
we were just discussing the best and fastest way to cycle a tank.

where are the fish and coral going from the 180?

 

[hannahsmom]

the zoas will need light, but the rock should not be thrown into the display tank either. with shipping you will experience some die-off sponges etc, so there will still be the possibility of a mini-cycle.

where are the fish and coral going from the 180?

That is why I was removing all my corals from my display. I also plan on moving that tank downstairs so at least it will be easier to move.

Haven't decide yet where to put the corals may end up putting some up for sale soon. I have a huge 12" favia with paddle coral and anthelia on it if anyone wants to make an offer. Got a little bleached when I got it too close to the halides but is darkening back up.

I did find out however the zoo rocks and some of the corraline rock has been in holding tanks curing for about 4 weeks so they helps since there will be minimal die off. Since he doesn't have all the pounds I want in cured he is sending uncured I did not realize that I thought it was all uncured so that does help some. At least this way I know the zoos rocks will make it. They are really amazing looking I will have to get some pics loaded. The rocks in comparison are like looking at a childs hand next to them they are huge and covered with zoos. Literally there must be a thousand every rock. I can't wait to aquascape the large tank with all of these

I know patience

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Where are you ordering this from?

 

[hannahsmom]

A place overseas. Vanuatu SP??

 

[jhale]

Vanuatu is south west of hawaii, by quite a bit,
are you dealing with a wholesaler direct?


coming that distance the rock is going to have a lot of die-off, I thought it was more local then that. forget about the four weeks it spent in a vat, that will make no difference now.

enjoy the curing process, you should see some really cool things on the rock if it's coming full of zoo's there should be a ton of cool hitch hikers on the rock, don't throw them out, people might want them for species tanks, or non reef tanks.

 

[inkblue]

...i cureD roCk once, doNt thinK i'LL g0 thru that again :bigeyes2: :tired: :sigh1:

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Remember you get what you pay for. If you are getting it cheap enough from an overseas dealer you are probably getting a whole bunch of hitch hikers too. I'm sure you get some good ones but I am also sure you'll get a few bad ones too!

I am trying to understand how you plan on curing. You are moving all of your reef into a bigger tank minus a few pieces of live rock then are going to put this new rock into the old tank? I think as long as you aclimate the rocks with the corals on them properly you should have no problem with the zoo's (I would drip acclimate them) However, I also think you are going to have a whole lot of die off with the shipping, because of the time it will spend out of the water.

 

[hannahsmom]

Remember you get what you pay for. If you are getting it cheap enough from an overseas dealer you are probably getting a whole bunch of hitch hikers too. I'm sure you get some good ones but I am also sure you'll get a few bad ones too!

I have gotten plenty of good and bad hitchhikers from local rock too. I am getting a great price on this especially the zoo rocks for 2foot rocks covered all in zoos I am still paying less with shipping than I'd spend on rock at the LFS for plain rock not to mention some of these rocks have over a thousand zoos on the rock!!

I am trying to understand how you plan on curing. You are moving all of your reef into a bigger tank minus a few pieces of live rock then are going to put this new rock into the old tank? I think as long as you aclimate the rocks with the corals on them properly you should have no problem with the zoo's (I would drip acclimate them) However, I also think you are going to have a whole lot of die off with the shipping, because of the time it will spend out of the water.

None of the zoos I have ever gotten have been shipped with water and all do fine. The actual ship time is about 14 hours so not too bad. I am taking all the stuff out of my main tank as a precaution for any cycles that happen and also to protect all my zoos and etc from hitchhikers. They treat for nudis etc but that is never a guarantee. Pain to move it all but safer. Plus I plan to sell the 180 when all of this is over with. I am just going to take the plain rock and put it in the 375 and let it run its course. I don't care about a cycle in the tank since it will be a new set up. I was mainly concerned about the zoos to make the least amount of a cycle as to keep them alive. Eventually the entire bottom amount of rock in my 375 will be a bed of zoos. I will post pics as it progresses.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Good luck. I hope you enjoy your new tank and live rock a whole lot.

 

[hannahsmom]

Thanks I will need it. Can't wait for about 4 weeks from now when I actually make some process. Really wanted more of a 500g tank but this one was a great deal basically free so couldnt say no. I need to buy a bigger house.....

 

[inkblue]

hannAh, i thouGht yoU had a 400G tank... caN yoU post piCs :approve: :afro: :scratchch

 

[hannahsmom]

Yeah when I actually measured it the actual number was like 380 so minus the edges from the glass I am guessing it is a 375 not a huge difference in a tank that size.

What do you want pics of? Rock or tank? I am planning on getting pics along the way of the process. Right now it is under a tarp outside. Will be coming inside today since it is supposed to snow.....