curing live rock

[pancake]

I just became the proud owner of a 180 gallon. I have to move to a not yet determined location next may-june. I currently have a 55 gallon reef. I am wanting to set up the 180 gallon after I move and upgrade the 55. to ease the move I would like to already have the rock for the 180 cycled. I would like to go ahead and buy some good dry rock and cycle it for a while to avoid a cycle when I move. What rock would ya'll recommend and how I go about cycling the rock. I know the basics big rubbermaid, big pump, saltwater, time. but do you put any lights on the rock? etc?

 

[pancake]

but if I plumb it into the 55 won't it raise the ammonia and kind of cycle the 55 gallon?

 

[hackman72]

pancake;575427 wrote: but if I plumb it into the 55 won't it raise the ammonia and kind of cycle the 55 gallon?

Yes it will. Do NOT plumb it into the 55. Put it in a rubbermaid tub with a heater and a powerhead and let it stand as it's own little system. I'd keep it covered to keep light out to avoid algae blooms. Some use a skimmer to help things along but with the amount of time you have that probably wouldn't be needed. Do some water changes along the way and you should be good. You can put lights on once it's cycled to help start getting things to grow.

 

[cr500_af]

pancake;575427 wrote: but if I plumb it into the 55 won't it raise the ammonia and kind of cycle the 55 gallon?

If it is clean, dry rock, then no. If you use any amount of uncured LR then yes, it will happen.

 

[hackman72]

pancake;575331 wrote: buy some good dry rock

cr500_af;575450 wrote: If it is clean, dry rock, then no. If you use any amount of uncured LR then yes, it will happen.

Yep. I should just go on to bed. Totally missed that...lol.

 

[KrisDeitz]

Great info Just got me some rock i need to do this too!

PFC Deitz