cured vs. uncured

can someone explain the difference between cured and uncured live rock? was buying cured since starting my tank, but went to a different lfs, and saw some really nice rock.i did'nt buy it because it said it was uncured.thanks

 

Live rock that is cured is basically rock that has sat around for a period of time in a tank with powerhead and filtration to prepare it for a tank after all the die off that often is associated with collecting, shipping and handling over a period of time.
Normally more expensive but you don't have the problem of adding dead and decaying organisms into your tank causing a potentially dangerous cycle.
Uncured rock is just that...uncured where dead and decaying organisms are still on or in the rock, giving a putrid and sulfur smelling aroma. Time has not been given to removing and cleaning off the dead matter.
That is the difference in a nut shell!

 

Save yourself some money that could be better spent elsewhere and use dry dead rock and let it come alive in the tank.

 

Would putting uncured rock in a 10g tank with a powerhead for a week or so cure it?

 

thanks for the help, guys. any suggestion on the type of dry dead rock? does it have to be a certain type?
i've heard some types of rock add unwanted chemicals to the water.

 

I hear 3 weeks is the thing to do... just what I heard. A heater would be a good thing too

 

or ' like you might do as i got lucky my self the "best" option and least amount of time to cycle your tank is to get live rock from a taredown tank ( some ones whos moving or wanting to get rid of there set up )
I got lucky and found one with like an initial 100 pnds of it' , it was some nice stuff with purple coraline all over it ' and 'no unwanted stuff.

but that requires you to keep your eyes open and ready to move quickly ' it's rarely is availible.

and uncured "raw" live rock' is some nasty decaying stuff' ( you can put your nose to it' and gauge it progress in the LFS tanks ) after a few times of looking and smelling ' you'll know exactly to what degree or cycle time/stage it's at.