New Tank- Dry Rock Cycle Question

[710Reefer]

Im starting up a new 20 gallon long reef tank. I have live sand and ocean water but now my question is this, i purchased 30lbs of what I'm assuming is dry rock from (reefrocks.net) anyone help my verify that?) and would like to know if i can add it to my tank while i start my cycle, and how long will it take for the rock to be safe enough to add coral and fish. Im going to let the tank cycle a good month or 2 before i add anything (setting up tank in 3 days), make sure i get my spike and see everything go back down to 0. How can i get my PH up during this time? Would i be better off buying cured live rock from my lfs, they have some good quality rock. Im thinking of buying some rock from there & add some along with the new rock. Would this help?
Sorry for the simple questions, just looking for some help.

[710Reefer]

Bunch of questions I know guys, anything would be helpful though.

[pmrossetti]

Put the rocks, sand and water in the tank with some circulation.
You can add a couple of live rocks to seed your tank.

Test the water for ammonia, nitrite. ph of ocean water should be ok.

if no ammonia add some food till you get an ammonia reading

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by pmrossetti

Put the rocks, sand and water in the tank with some circulation.
You can add a couple of live rocks to seed your tank.

Test the water for ammonia, nitrite. ph of ocean water should be ok.

if no ammonia add some food till you get an ammonia reading

Ill do exactly that. Once the ammonia goes down to zero, am I ok to add a CUC? I wanted to wait a few weeks before I added anything. Would it be wise to wait until after my diatom bloom?

[pmrossetti]

Originally Posted by 710Reefer

Ill do exactly that. Once the ammonia goes down to zero, am I ok to add a CUC? I wanted to wait a few weeks before I added anything. Would it be wise to wait until after my diatom bloom?

When ammonia is 0, check nitrite.
When ammonia and nitrite are 0, then nitrates will register.
Then do a water change.
You can add a small fish and CUC then.

Feed lightly and monitor ammonia and nitrite.
if you go slow you'll be fine

[SwampyBill]

+1^^^

Good solid advice there, esp. last sentence...If you didn't have patience before, you better get you some soon if you want longterm success in this amazing hobby. Good luck & welcome to Reef Central!

[gone fishin]

^^^^ what they said.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by pmrossetti

When ammonia is 0, check nitrite.
When ammonia and nitrite are 0, then nitrates will register.
Then do a water change.
You can add a small fish and CUC then.

Feed lightly and monitor ammonia and nitrite.
if you go slow you'll be fine

Thank you, I truly appreciate it.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by SwampyBill

+1^^^

Good solid advice there, esp. last sentence...If you didn't have patience before, you better get you some soon if you want longterm success in this amazing hobby. Good luck & welcome to Reef Central!

I have all the time in the world, just started work again so ill be kept busy lol.

I see a Kessil led in my future.. Any rec for a 20 gal long tank (lighting).

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by gone fishin

^^^^ what they said.

Thanks.