Purchasing LR w/ Coraline algae to cycle a tank?

[Latitude_change]

I am still setting up the tank (58g FOWLR), as I need a few items yet, but getting ready to purchase LR and start the cycle. Someone on Craigslist in my area is moving and selling their system. I am thinking of purchasing 50 lbs of LR that they say has been in their tank for 3 years and has nice purple Coraline algae. Should I do this? Will their nice coraline end up dying in my tank because it is being newly cycled and causing more problems than just buying LR without coraline growth? Thanks!

 

[Lance M.]

Make sure you ask them if they have ever dosed the tank w/ medications, especially copper based ones. If so then I would not. Also just look for any unwanted hitchikers/algae.

Other then that it would be good.

 

[roka64]

If you can keep that LR in some SW and put it in your tank, you may not see much of a cycle and your algae will be fine (you want to keep the beneficial bacteria on/in the LR alive).
Definitely ask about the use of meds and especially copper.

 

[ellisz]

The rock will help seed the sand so like Roka said, you might nat even see a cycle. Bacteria will be already there.

 

[melosu58]

The rock will help seed the sand so like Roka said, you might nat even see a cycle. Bacteria will be already there.

I totally agree.