Procedure for curing macro rocks?

Nirvana · 05/01/2008, 11:09 AM

I just got an order of about 70 pounds of macro rocks for my tank and they smell pretty bad. What is the procedure for getting these things tank ready. I heard something about putting vinegar and salt water in a trash can and letting the rock sit in there to get rid of the smell. My tank is going to be a new set up, so i figure i can cure these macro rocks in my tank once i get everything up and operational, but what should i do in the time being?

petoonia · 05/01/2008, 11:29 AM

The bad smell means it is uncured rock. You can store the rock in a trash can, or tote with heated saltwater, to get the process of curing the rock started. I wouldn't put it in anything other than saltwater. Once you get your tank set up just add the rock to the tank, and let the tank cycle.

mrbigshot · 05/01/2008, 11:39 AM

you can cure them in freshwater if you want. use 1 part viniger to 4 parts or 8 parts water and soak them for a little while, the vinager will disolve the rock a little so how long you soak will depend on the strength. i would do 6-8 hrs at 25%. the desolving eats most of the organics off so thats why you do it. after that just throw them in a garbage can with a good heater, powerhead or 2, and a skimmer and change the water every couple of days.

if you are just setting up the tank after the inital soak in clean water after the vinager bath you can throw the rock in the tank and use it to start cycling.

05/01/2008, 11:09 AM	#1
Nirvana Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 226	Procedure for curing macro rocks? I just got an order of about 70 pounds of macro rocks for my tank and they smell pretty bad. What is the procedure for getting these things tank ready. I heard something about putting vinegar and salt water in a trash can and letting the rock sit in there to get rid of the smell. My tank is going to be a new set up, so i figure i can cure these macro rocks in my tank once i get everything up and operational, but what should i do in the time being?

05/01/2008, 11:29 AM	#2
petoonia HereWeGoAgain... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,648	The bad smell means it is uncured rock. You can store the rock in a trash can, or tote with heated saltwater, to get the process of curing the rock started. I wouldn't put it in anything other than saltwater. Once you get your tank set up just add the rock to the tank, and let the tank cycle. __________________ I've been in the hobby for about 10 years....(so I know a little bit)...(but not all that much).... Current Tank Info: 58G. Oceanic (Starphire). Mixed Reef

05/01/2008, 11:39 AM	#3
mrbigshot Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: mn Posts: 387	you can cure them in freshwater if you want. use 1 part viniger to 4 parts or 8 parts water and soak them for a little while, the vinager will disolve the rock a little so how long you soak will depend on the strength. i would do 6-8 hrs at 25%. the desolving eats most of the organics off so thats why you do it. after that just throw them in a garbage can with a good heater, powerhead or 2, and a skimmer and change the water every couple of days. if you are just setting up the tank after the inital soak in clean water after the vinager bath you can throw the rock in the tank and use it to start cycling.