How To: Prepare Base Rock

I have about 100# of base rock I would like to get ready to add to my 90 gallon when it is up and running and was wondering if there is some sort of process to go thorugh in order to make it suitable for the tank?

 

I thought you could just add it right in. It's base rock, or "dry" rock. There's nothing living in it, so there would be no die off. Maybe rinse it first.

 

That would be correct.

However, some places, like Marcorocks, sell their rock as "base rock", even though it's really "once live rock". That kind of rock needs to be cured first.

 

Okay well to confuse you some about 50# of it was from my old 55 gallon that I let sit out and dry out. So what should I do with that rock?

Also I got another 50# from a lady that had about 200# just sitting in her garage what so I do with that?

Thanks!

 

Wait, so this is going in to a new tank or an established?

If it's a new tank, just put it in.

 

Nuke it first if being put in an established tank(?), then let rinse in a Rubbermaid container for a while.

 

i think the only rock i would just put into an exisisting tank is the stuff the is from ancient reefs that is kinda "mined" from now inland locations. like the stuff the bulk reef supply and reef cleaners. if it is once live rock that is now dry from a system or other living reef i would at least do a abbreviated curing, or at least only add a little bit at a time.

 

by nuke it doyou mean put it in the microwave

 

Nope. Pretty much anything other than the microwave: boil, bake, sit out in the sun, use bleach....

 

microwaving it would be interesting though lol