Need recommendations ASAP

I finally ordered the remaining 90 lbs of rock I need to complete my established tank. I set up a 55 gallon garbage can in my garage with an old Koi fish pond pump and canister filter that I powerwashed. The pump sits at the bottom of the trash can (underneath a milk crate) and pumps through a hose into the large canister filter (with activated carbon) and back through a hose to the trash can. I think the setup is beautiful for curing rock, but I realized the temperature of the water is 87 degrees! Las Vegas is still extremely warm. Is this temp too high to cure rock? I know a higher temperature aids in the dying off process, but is this temp too high? My rock will be here Thursday...tomorrow.... what should I do? Moving the setup inside is not a huge deal, but I would rather not...!@#$!!!#$????::confu sed:::-/ A quick answer is appreciated as I only have one day to figure this out. Thanks 3reefers!

 

I don't think it's too high of a temp . I cranked mine way up there and I think it helped cycle faster. Bacteria grows faster at higher temps.

 

That's a little too high IMO I would try to get it down a little or you really will be "cooking" your lr

 

You also now need to get a copper test kit. Many pond pumps run copper and bronze bushings, which can leach plenty enough copper to kill inverts and corals.

 

Its when i read things like this that i wonder how in the world people have great success in this hobby without 3reef...without extreme or excruciating failures to learn from their own experiences...

I will take OPE (other people experiences) to speed my learning curve over my own any day

...as far as the rock goes, IMO you would be alright at 87 although not ideal. When i cured some of my rock i just put it in a bucket and left the hose on low flow. It was cold...

My rock was also cured though. i was just being safe instead of sorry

 

A little high but not bad, I cured all 168 lbs of my live rock in my garage here in Phoenix. You can get a cheap $8 Wal Mart clip on fan and attach it to the side of the trash can pointing down, it'll lower it 5-7 degrees easily. I do the same when I am making up a full batch of new saltwater and it works great.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...30&srccode=cii_15720625&cpncode=23-54762972-2

It says $16 but I have never paid more than $8 and usually $4-5 when they are on close out like right now.

 

All of my success can be credited to 3reef and the enthusiasm of its members.... Thank you all for your answers. I ended up calling some LFSs and they all agreed that the garage should be fine as long as I keep the lid off and blow air onto the container to keep the temp down as much as possible. I rigged an industrial fan to the roof at an angle toward the water. You should see the look on neighbors as they walk by. They must think I have a crack lab set up or something! I would probably think the same thing. Later today I will post some pics on this thread and see if you agree. HAHA

 

:laughings

 

K+ on the fan. I would bring it down some otherwise when you put the rock in your tank it will be a huge temp drop and may stress and kill some of the bacteria.