newaqua Posted August 12, 2013 Report Share Posted August 12, 2013 Starting Dry Rock. Hello everyone. I have a new tank setup that I have been working on for quite some time. And I am now ready to begin my rock. I have about 15 kg of rock for my 140L setup (includes the sump). I have heard different ways of starting the rock. One being flush the rock first. By placing in a bucket and changing the water every day. Then, after a couple of weeks, leave the water in, and check the ammonia level and nitrite levels, if there is none, then its ready to be placed in the tank. Another I have heard, is curing it in the tank straight away, without sand, as this way, the waste will come from the rock and litter the bottom of the tank. After a while, once the levels settle down, you can then begin to add fish. So what way is best? Does anyone else have another way of doing it? The rock I have has been out for years, and will need a good clean anyway. Like I said, this is a new tank setup, I am not adding rock to an existing setup. Ideas?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
si_sphinx Posted August 12, 2013 Report Share Posted August 12, 2013 I put mine in a 200ltr plastic drum. Chucked lots of power heads in,heated it and left it for 3 months, changed half the water every month. After the first month I chucked in a raw shrimp every week to feed the growing bacteria. Then put in my tank, waited a week and was ready for fish. This way I didn't have to look at an empty tank while it was cycling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newaqua Posted August 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 Any other ideas here anyone? Most of us would have had to start someway or another???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 +1 to what the Sphinxter said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 I started the other way, but as si_sphinx said, if you don't mind watching an empty tank, it works, or if you know your going to get annoyed looking at an empty tank after 3 month (I did as I started with a 850L and a lot of rock), you may end up getting tempted to push your luck by putting your first fish or coral in a little early. I did have fun watching everything slowly grow, but the waiting game did get the better of me :lar: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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