cycling rock in a tote

[tgriffin]

I have 150 lbs of Marco Rock that I bought from an ARC member earlier this year. I am wanting to possibly cycle 100 lbs in a tote. Question is, can I cycle this rock in unheated water without a light? I was going to mix up some water and throw a powerhead in there and was hoping that I would be able to get my cycle out of the way. I was hoping that way I would be able to transfer the rock and water to my tank once I get a stand built and start adding fish and corals

Would this work???

 

[gmpolan]

Honestly, i would advise against that. In my experience, your way better off just taking the time to cycle the tank properly and allowing it to establish the proper bateria, then add fish and corals versus rushing it and having issues later. Id think you be fine adding the rock during the cycling period but is there any reasoning as to what the rush is? are you transferring systems?

 

[tgriffin]

Not transferring. Just thinking that I could go ahead and get the ball rolling before I have my stand built for my tank. I definitely want to do things correctly though. Thx for the reply.

 

[mvm]

Marco rocks is dry, so it doesn't need to cycle. If you're saying that you want to start a cycle on the tote and then transfer the bacteria colonized water and rock into the tank. That should work. Just need to add some ammonia or fish food to feed the bacteria. Since marco is already precycled, it will not have any dieoff creating a cycle on its own. Make since? Also, you're OK w/o a light, but it wouldn't hurt to have a heater. It might help to speed the process....

 

[tgriffin]

Cool. Thx!!!