Can I cycle tank with freshwater?

I'm getting 200lbs of rock in on Friday, but just found out in 2 weeks that I'll need to rebuild the overflow because of a manufacturer design flaw causing noise. That means I'll be doing a 100 percent water change then to allow for silicon to properly dry. Can I cycle live rock from my shipment tomorrow in plain Rodi water without wasting 50 bucks on adding salt for right now or no?
Thanks!!

 

No, bacteria which grow in saltwater won't grow in fresh.

You don't have to waste all that water; can pump it into brute cans or the like and store it until your silicone is dry.

 

Figured! Great idea. May not be able to salvage 200 gallons but anything would help!

 

Freshwater or Hypo salinity dips can be used to kill parasites etc. I would think putting your live rock in freshwater would essentially kill it. You might be getting rid of unwanted hitchhikers, but I would say you are probably going to get rid of all the good stuff too.

 

Why not just start with all of it in the cans? You can just have enough water in the cans to keep the rock alive until you get the tank figured out. No reason to fill the tank, then empty it, then refill it when you could just use the cans the whole time (assuming you can keep them heated and with flow)

 

Well it's already filled with water. Wanted to see if I could leave the salt out which I've learned that I cannot. I'm just gonna put the salt in and add rock tomorrow. Before the overflow replacement buy big cans to store water and put rocks in 'till silicon dries.

 

+1 cycle it in tupperwares or garbage cans....you dont need to light them just need heat and flow but ive heard that LR actually cures quicker in slightly cooler slightly less salty water(for lack of better terms)