What About Mixing Some Cured/uncured Rock When Starting To Cycle?

[kj23502]

Or would that be a bad idea?

I've been reading about using one or the other, but why not both? Get some benefits of the cured (jump start on filtration) and benefits of the uncured (little critters that came with it). (I realize that some critters on the cured may not survive the cycling process, though.)

Would it be ok or slightly beneficial to use both? Why or why not?
Thanks...
KJ

 

[FiSh123FiSh]

I can't answer but I would also like to know about the curing and uncuring types. As Kj and I are beginers these little things that are nothing to the more experienced can mean loads to us

 

[Mr._Fishy]

I think it would work. Honestly though, I would rather just go with uncured. Cycling usually doesn't take that long and uncured is cheaper.

 

[kj23502]

cured already has gone through the nitrifying process. Where dead matter was decomposed and bacteria grew to handle the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate(to some extent) bio-load. Although, there can be a little die off in transit, the *curing* time in the tank should be significantly less.

Uncured is when that process hasn't happened yet (new rock from the ocean, for example)and has not had the time to sit in the dealers tanks to cure and needs to be done by sitting your rock in a fully functional tank and letting the process happen.

It should create an ammonia spike, then nitrite and nitrate.

Experts, do I have that straight so far....

Where I was looking on the web, Premium Aquatics, it's only 50 cents per pound cheaper.

The difference in 40 lbs is $20. And I wouldn't have to wait for it to cure

 

[Mr._Fishy]

Sounds good. Although the reason why rock is uncured is because it was shipped and there was a die off. It was cured in the ocean. It just has to "re cure" in tanks (be it the dealers or our tank).

 

[kj23502]

That's kinda what I had in mind...I just didn't voice it well


Thanks for the reply!!

 

[n3ont3tra]

If it's shipped then it's probable that some things will die during shipping but not much. I bought 40lbs fiji cured from premium aquatics and there was 0.25ppm of ammonia for about a week.

Personally I would buy uncured because to me it seems like there is a lot more life that comes out as it's curing.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

If there is nothing inside the tank right now, I would go with uncured rock. Like neon said, there is a lot more stuff in uncured rock. If you mix the rock, it should make the cycling process shorter, but I think itll be better just getting all uncured.

 

[kj23502]

Ok, thanks guys!! Don't have the tank yet actually. Just researching. I did come across a 50 gallon for $35!! the only problem is it's 3 hours away. It's not as good of a deal after buying the gas to get there AND back

I'm trying to keep my eyes out for good deals....

 

[Musho3210]

to tell you the truth, get marco rock. Its dry, VERY porous, and because its dry and the selling weight is dry weight, you would need to buy less for less money (fiji is about 2.75 a pound dry). This way, you wont be worrying about unwanted hitch-hikers that can plague your tank. Bacteria and algae will come on its own, and with some cheato in a fuge your tank will get all the hitch-hikers you will be needing. Dont waste your money on live stuff that about 75% of its gonna die.

 

[n3ont3tra]

Marco has been having some serious problems with communication recently.

 

[Musho3210]

eh well bulk reef supply sells a pretty good dry rock as well so ive heard.

 

[n3ont3tra]

I've heard the same thing.

 

[SkiFletch]

Wouldn't suprise me, those guys have a great store...

I too would advise uncured rock, you'll be way happier with the life on it.

 

[kj23502]

okie dokie.... love that old phrase...

I guess it's settled then

Thanks