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Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 5:41 am
by 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.
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 7:13 am
by 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.
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:06 am
by 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?
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:18 am
by seadrop
fattiger wrote: ↑Wed Jul 02, 2025 7:13 am
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.
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 10:14 am
by 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?
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 12:11 pm
by 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?
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:03 pm
by 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.
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:30 am
by kindheart
Those Acros will love the Kessil. Just make sure your params are rock solid before adding them. They're picky little dudes.
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:42 am
by seadrop
Also, forest, consider adding some copepods during the curing process. They'll help break down detritus and keep the rock clean.
Re: Live rock curing for corals
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2025 10:33 am
by folio
seadrop wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:42 am
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.