How long to cycle dry rock?

PegasisR · Apr 10, 2020

I need to add dry Marco rock double flats to a 3 year old(525xl) reef but don't want to cause a cycle. How would I do this properly to ensure no cycle is caused in the DT and no access phos and nitrate? Thank you!

Looking to add about 20lbs (big double flats)

Spare time · Apr 10, 2020

I don't think you will have any problems with that rock since its not "dead" rock. However, if you are concerned then you can put it in a bucket or what not with a heater and pump and see if you get ammonia and phosphate in the bucket water. If so, just get some bacteria and keep it in there for a little.

Robert Binz · Apr 10, 2020

Yeah I don’t think that would cause a cycle at all

PegasisR · Apr 10, 2020

Spare time said:
I don't think you will have any problems with that rock since its not "dead" rock. However, if you are concerned then you can put it in a bucket or what not with a heater and pump and see if you get ammonia and phosphate in the bucket water. If so, just get some bacteria and keep it in there for a little.

Ah okay aswell how long would i need to?

PegasisR · Apr 10, 2020

Spare time · Apr 11, 2020

PegasisR said:
Ah okay aswell how long would i need to?

Until you stop getting ammonia or phosphate rising. But like I said, I think you are fine. If you want to put it in the tank right away and are still having a little doubt, you can always get a little prime and put it in the water (makes ammonia non toxic for a period of time) (or bacteria).

PegasisR · Apr 11, 2020

Spare time said:
Until you stop getting ammonia or phosphate rising. But like I said, I think you are fine. If you want to put it in the tank right away and are still having a little doubt, you can always get a little prime and put it in the water (makes ammonia non toxic for a period of time) (or bacteria).

What about marco premium shelf rock? Is that fine aswell?

Spare time · Apr 11, 2020

PegasisR said:
What about marco premium shelf rock? Is that fine aswell?

Yes I think any of the marco rock is fine. Just rinse it off in ro or shake it off in a bucket of ro water to get the dust off.

lapin · Apr 11, 2020

Marco rock is all the same. Dry with no nutrients bound to it unless it has been in someones tank or the ocean. Stax rock is the same, Marco shelf that fell apart while being cut.