Live rock of out water

[daney90]

My friend is giving me her 30-40lbs of live rock that's been out of the water for a week now. I'm pretty sure that's not live anymore, right? Also, If I'm getting those rocks how much work do I have to so before putting it in my 55 gal tank?

She is also giving me her sand but idk if I should take it?

Help pls

 

[h8z2luze]

Id say everything is pretty much dead.... go over it lightly with a bush rinsing it in saltwater. then put it in a tub with a heater and a powerhead for a week or more doing a few water changes to "cure" it. This is the process I use and havent had problems but others might have different opinions.

As for the sand I would pass depending how old it is. If you stir up old sand it can release nitrates. Plus sand loses its ability to retain elements in the water over time I hear.

Is your tank new?

 

[daney90]

My tank has been up an running since August with the base rocks and sand and started to add fishes first week of September. Everything is pretty healthy at the moment.

 

[Sniperhank]

Then clean the rock up and cure it before adding it to your tank to prevent any spikes.

 

[h8z2luze]

Yea I would definitely clean and cure it.

 

[daney90]

Do I need to put any ammonia? Just like cycling the tank? Or its completely a different method. So heater and power head in the tub for how long?

I'll be getting the rocks tomorrow but I want to know what to do with it beforehand

 

[h8z2luze]

Noooooo ammonia. The reason to cure it is to get rid of the die off that has occurred on the rock from being out of the water. Like I said clean the rock then in a tub with heater, powerhead, water changes. I would say Atleast a week. its been awhile since i did it. Google curing live rock. Might find some good info.

 

[Gregcoyote]

Noooooo ammonia. The reason to cure it is to get rid of the die off that has occurred on the rock from being out of the water. Like I said clean the rock then in a tub with heater, powerhead, water changes. I would say Atleast a week. its been awhile since i did it. Google curing live rock. Might find some good info.

This is right on IMO. You don't need to do much of anything except be patient for a few weeks while the die off gets overcome by new bacterial growth. Monitor ammonia, etc. when its zero, you're good to go.

 

[daney90]

Ok thanks

 

[h8z2luze]

No problem.