How to Cure Live Rock

Live rock is a beautiful and useful addition to any saltwater aquarium. According to About Fish Online, live rock acts as a biological filter. It also helps maintain a healthy balance of naturally occurring chemicals. Introducing it to your tank, however, can mean introducing unwanted bacteria, flora and fauna, resulting in possibly catastrophic and expensive damage. Thorough curing beforehand should negate the possibility of such problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Pre-cleaned live rock
  • Heavy duty rubber gloves
  • Plastic 30 gallon bucket
  • 20 gallons saltwater
  • Water heater
  • Power head
  • Soft nylon brush
  • Ammonia testing kit
  • Nitrite testing kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Half fill your bucket with saltwater. The water should have a specific gravity of 1.021 to 1.024.

    • 2

      Place live rocks into the water, wearing your gloves to prevent cuts and possible infection. If necessary, add more saltwater to cover the rocks.

    • 3

      Install heater and power head. The heater should be set at 80 degrees F.

    • 4

      Change the water completely every three days for three weeks. Before changing the water, give the rocks a light scrub with your nylon brush.

    • 5

      Test the ammonia and nitrite levels after three weeks. If they are zero, your rocks are ready for use. Otherwise, perform another water change and test again in a few days.