adding liverock

[nemo79]

ok, i want to add a few more pieces of LR into my tank. What is the best method to add it without having anything spike. Cure it in a bucket..how long does that take? or scrub it really good in freshwater, or any other methods?

[amcarrig]

Why not just add some cheaper, dead base rock and not worry about anything, including water spikes or pesky hitchikers?

If that's not something you want to do, you can cure the rock in a plastic food grade container with a heater and powerhead. The amount of time it takes to cure the rock will depend on the quality of the rock when you buy it. Test the water in the rock container daily and once your ammonia/nitrite/nitrates rise and drop, it can be considered cured.

[Jason McKenzie]

I would cycle it in a bucket. The best way IMO is to prep saltwater in the bucket. Get a heater, small power head, and an airstone. add then to the water with the rock. Move the power head and airstone around daily and make sure you top off the evap. test the water for the usually Ammonia, Nitrite, when they are zero it is safe to add it to your tank

[nemo79]

Thanks, Thats A Good Idea. I Will Have To Do That. Will A Rubbermaid Container Be Good To Use?

[amcarrig]

I believe that Rubbermaid is considered food grade so use it if you've got it.

[serotonin]

I'm sure you know what sulfur or rotten eggs smell like. Uncured live rock will have that smell to it also.

[Reef Lover]

It smells worse then rotten eggs.

[nemo79]

Oh I Know What Smell Your Talking About. Out Of All The Pieces I Bought Only One Smelled. I Rinsed It Really Good And Shook It In The Water, Mind You That Was While I Was Cycling.