Can I cure dry rock at cold temperatures?

djryan2000 · 10/08/2019, 04:21 PM

I’m ordering dry rock (either Pukani or fiji) and can’t cure it inside.. and it’s usually about 40-60 degrees F outside now that it’s fall. Since my goal is simply to Not cause future nutrient issues in my tank and stink it up when I start my tank in a month or two can I just cure it outside? I’m not looking to grow beneficial bacteria - I’ll wait till I start to cycle my tank for that.

ThRoewer · 10/08/2019, 04:32 PM

If it is just to clean the rocks an not to get bacteria going then outside should be fine. In fact, if everything is dried out and dead already, you might actually want to bleach them to get all the dead stuff off and kill all those pesky pests (all kinds of nuisance algae, Aptasia,...) that even survive being dried.

BTW, where do you find those rocks for sale these days?

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djryan2000 · 10/08/2019, 04:36 PM

I did not find Pukani. I didn’t look closely and saw it’s been discontinued... everywhere. I thought a found a website that still had it but it did not. Sorry to get your hopes up :P
Going with ARC reef stacked dry rock - they claim no curing needed but I’ll certainly bleach it like you said. I Don’t want to deal with phosphates.

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djryan2000 · 10/08/2019, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

If it is just to clean the rocks an not to get bacteria going then outside should be fine. In fact, if everything is dried out and dead already, you might actually want to bleach them to get all the dead stuff off and kill all those pesky pests (all kinds of nuisance algae, Aptasia,...) that even survive being dried.

BTW, where do you find those rocks for sale these days?

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Forgot to quote you. If you’re feeling brave and really want Pukani rock it only took a quick search on the dark web for my to find it - although I’m certainly not purchasing it.

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ThRoewer · 10/08/2019, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djryan2000

Forgot to quote you. If you’re feeling brave and really want Pukani rock it only took a quick search on the dark web for my to find it - although I’m certainly not purchasing it.

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Yeah, I rather stay clear of the dark web...

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Jason82 · 10/08/2019, 07:06 PM

Nitrifying bacteria's optimum growth temperature is between 77 - 86 degrees F. This growth rate will decrease by 50% at 64 degrees F. the growth rate will decrease by 75% at 40 - 50 degrees F. No activity at 39 degree's F.

djryan2000 · 10/09/2019, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

Yeah, I rather stay clear of the dark web...

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The rock I’m buying is mined dry rock - do you think I need to cure it? I was considering bleach curing but heard I should have no nutrient issues if it’s mined dry rock.

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ThRoewer · 10/09/2019, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djryan2000

The rock I’m buying is mined dry rock - do you think I need to cure it? I was considering bleach curing but heard I should have no nutrient issues if it’s mined dry rock.

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No need for aggressive treatment with that kind of rock. I just water it to get the dust off and then put it into the tank.

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djryan2000 · 10/09/2019, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

No need for aggressive treatment with that kind of rock. I just water it to get the dust off and then put it into the tank.

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Awesome. Thank you!

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zheka757 · 10/13/2019, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

all those pesky pests (all kinds of nuisance algae, Aptasia,...) that even survive being dried.

Do you have a research that can back that up? are you applying that to aptasia also?

Dmorty217 · 10/18/2019, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zheka757

Do you have a research that can back that up? are you applying that to aptasia also?

aiptasia will not survive drying.

10/08/2019, 04:21 PM	#1
djryan2000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 441	Can I cure dry rock at cold temperatures? I’m ordering dry rock (either Pukani or fiji) and can’t cure it inside.. and it’s usually about 40-60 degrees F outside now that it’s fall. Since my goal is simply to Not cause future nutrient issues in my tank and stink it up when I start my tank in a month or two can I just cure it outside? I’m not looking to grow beneficial bacteria - I’ll wait till I start to cycle my tank for that.

10/08/2019, 04:32 PM	#2
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	If it is just to clean the rocks an not to get bacteria going then outside should be fine. In fact, if everything is dried out and dead already, you might actually want to bleach them to get all the dead stuff off and kill all those pesky pests (all kinds of nuisance algae, Aptasia,...) that even survive being dried. BTW, where do you find those rocks for sale these days? Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

10/08/2019, 04:36 PM	#3
djryan2000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 441	I did not find Pukani. I didn’t look closely and saw it’s been discontinued... everywhere. I thought a found a website that still had it but it did not. Sorry to get your hopes up :P Going with ARC reef stacked dry rock - they claim no curing needed but I’ll certainly bleach it like you said. I Don’t want to deal with phosphates. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/08/2019, 07:06 PM	#6
Jason82 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 48	Nitrifying bacteria's optimum growth temperature is between 77 - 86 degrees F. This growth rate will decrease by 50% at 64 degrees F. the growth rate will decrease by 75% at 40 - 50 degrees F. No activity at 39 degree's F.