Curing BRS dry live rock (Pukani)

[Jeff5225]

I have been curing 60 lbs. of BRS rock in a container since June 1st, circulating water, 77-78 degrees, 1.024, This morning I tested my water (RODI) Nitrate 100ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Ammonia .25ppm, PH (high range) 8.0. It seems that this is taking too long. Should I keep waiting and testing until I have 0 ammonia ? I still have to cycle my new display tank, I was considering filling my tank, aquascape it and add the gravel. And start the nitrogen cycle today.

 

[Liberty]

You don't cure dry rock, only live.

 

[carey]

If you have no livestock then just throw in the brs rock.

 

[jeffaquarius]

I have been curing 60 lbs. of BRS rock in a container since June 1st, circulating water, 77-78 degrees, 1.024, This morning I tested my water (RODI) Nitrate 100ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Ammonia .25ppm, PH (high range) 8.0. It seems that this is taking too long. Should I keep waiting and testing until I have 0 ammonia ? I still have to cycle my new display tank, I was considering filling my tank, aquascape it and add the gravel. And start the nitrogen cycle today.

Since nitrite is 0 that tells me your rock is already cured. Ammonia and nitrate stay in the water and you are throwing them away. After aqua scaping start stocking but very slowly. Maybe 2 small fish and add weekly. Substrate will be cured gradually.

 

[Terrance]

Since you're dealing with Pukani, check phosphates. Most likely there are high levels of phosphates leaching from your rock.

 

[aadair22]

He's been cycling these rocks for almost 2 months, so hopefully the phosphates will have leeched out by now. Still, keep an eye on them


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[BigRedsReefs10]

You using an api kit for ammonia? Sometimes they give false positives, I'd verify your test results at your lfs.

 

[Terrance]

2 months was not enough for my own pukani, even with 1-2 complete water changes per month. Pukani rocks are not like other dry rocks.

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