Live rock curing for corals

[forest]

Just got some live rock for my tank and wanna make sure I cure it right before adding corals. How long do y'all usually let it cycle? Got a 40 gallon with a protein skimmer, temp at 78, salinity 1.025.

[fattiger]

Yo, forest, I'd give it at least 4 weeks, maybe 6 if it's fresh from the ocean. Test for ammonia and nitrites like crazy. My last batch took forever to chill out, had to do water changes every other day. Skimmer's gonna help, tho.

[kindheart]

I've heard some folks say 3 weeks is enough, but I'd play it safe like fattiger said. What kinda corals you planning to add? Softies or SPS?

[seadrop]

Yo, forest, I'd give it at least 4 weeks, maybe 6 if it's fresh from the ocean. Test for ammonia and nitrites like crazy. My last batch took forever to chill out, had to do water changes every other day. Skimmer's gonna help, tho.

Agreed. The skimmer's crucial. Also, keep an eye on phosphate levels. Had a bloom last time I rushed the process.

[folio]

Man, I rushed mine once and paid for it. Corals were pissed for weeks. Now I just let it ride for a full month, no shortcuts. What's your lighting setup, forest?

[creekrun]

I'm new to this but my LFS said 4 weeks minimum. They also mentioned adding a bacterial starter to speed things up. Anyone try that?

[forest]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna test daily and aim for 6 weeks. Planning to add some Zoas and a couple Acros eventually. Lighting's a Kessil A360X, running at 60% for now.

[kindheart]

Those Acros will love the Kessil. Just make sure your params are rock solid before adding them. They're picky little dudes.

[seadrop]

Also, forest, consider adding some copepods during the curing process. They'll help break down detritus and keep the rock clean.

[folio]

Also, forest, consider adding some copepods during the curing process. They'll help break down detritus and keep the rock clean.

Good call. I dumped a bottle of Tisbe pods in mine last time and they went to town. Just don't add fish yet or they'll get eaten.