Adding 10lbs rock to 1.5year old tank

[Beej1254]

Yesterday I went to the LFS and bought 10lbs of branch dry rock. I'm hoping to add a little more excitement to my current aquascape. I haven't cured rock sense setting up this tank. And where I live it's kinda hard to find a suitable place to do so without my fiancé hating me.

If you were adding 10lbs of DRY branch rock to a tank that is almost 1.5years old would you cure it? Or would you just go ahead and put it in? This might be a stupid question but just wanted to ask.

 

[FL_Reefer]

How many lbs do you have currently? I would give it the bleach and RODI treatment and then throw it in

 

[Beej1254]

I'm not sure anymore of exactly how much rock I already have. I remember wanted to at least have 110lbs back when I first started because that was the advice for a beginner. But I've added a couple extra pieces here and there. I'd say right around that much.

How do you bleach rock? Is there a certain mixing ratio and technique?

 

[rossco]

I would at least put it in a tote with a power head and the water from a water change and let it sit for a few weeks.

 

[FL_Reefer]

Ya you could do that too.

Bleach and water for 24hrs. Then soak in RODI for a few days changing water everyday, then let dry completely. Then good to go. I put a powerhead in there to keep the water movement going

 

[Beej1254]

Alright thanks for the tips! I just went out and got a tote

 

[Sabellafella]

Alright thanks for the tips! I just went out and got a tote

If you want to get technical, i use a 5 gallon bucket, a heater and powerhead to soak down frag plugs. Everytime i go to the lfs i see a unique looking big/small piece of dry rock, so i toss it in the bucket. Change Use old waterchange water once aweek

 

[Beej1254]

Sounds like a good plan.

Does anyone see any problems (other then with the fiancé) about curing rock in this tote in my kitchen? Like stated before I don't really have a good place to do this. So if I let it soak here for a few weeks will I have to worry about anything? I guess I'm worried about weird fumes or something toxic? I'm just gonna cure it like normal sense I'm going on vacation next week

 

[FL_Reefer]

No just get a lid maybe, the rock doesn't need light so you should be good to go

 

[Beej1254]

Alright that's what I have setup right now. Lid is on as much as I can get it with the power cords. Thanks for the info everyone

 

[FL_Reefer]

No problem