Mixing Cured And Uncured Live Rock

[1entra]

I already have purchased approx 10kg of cured live rock off www.live-rock.co.uk as I have heard some good reviews from other buyers off this website. I have asked for it to be delivered on Friday.

But just now whilst browsing ebay I have seen a seller that can get hold of uncured live rock direct from Indonesia at 6quid a kg which I find quite cheap compared to some of the other prices I have seen/ been quoted. And he don't live too far a drive from me so I would save on P&P as well as I could quickly nip up to get it!

I was wondering would it be OK to get approx 5kg of the uncured live rock and mix it in my new marine set-up together with the cured South Pacific live rock? Or should I stick with buying more cured rock instead?

I want my live rock to contain the maximum amount of life including critters but I don't want the uncured live rock to have any negative effects on my cured rock!

I hope I don't sound silly asking but thought I'd much rather know for defo

 

[andywg]

By buying the undured you will then need to go through the die off, however this die off should feed all the stuff on the cured rock and rpevent it from becoming uncured again.

I would get both and expect a shorter curing time from the uncured rock as it has the help of the cured rock.

 

[AK77]

Just a note as well, regarding the uncured stuff. Be sure to pay extra attention for hitchhikers. Many vendors will remove unwanted predators and hitchhikers from their cured live rock. Live-rock.co.uk perform this task and according to their site, inspect each piece of rock for die-off and pests. Uncured rock will most likely not have been inspected.

If you haven't added your sand yet, then don't. Add the rock, wait until your ammonia and nitrites are gone, then think about adding sand. This will give you a better chance of spotting any unwanted additions and prevent them from hiding in the sand. It also means that the rock will be on the base of the tank, thereby acting as a solid foundation. Some rocks can slip in the sand if not fully pressed in place and can cause rock pile falls, which could scratch or crack your tank.

Its far better to catch unwanted mantis shrimp, fireworms (bristleworms are fine but fireworms are a no-no as they can eat corals) and crabs

 

[1entra]

Thanks people.

I think I may just stick with cured live rock as its a lot easier to work with and will hopefully shorten my tank cycle! I am going to go see the seller with both sets of live rock and see which I prefer and has the most amount of life on it!

Will let you know what I decide!