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Depending on the size of rock I usually either put it in a tub and cycle the water daily (or more) or for small pieces I put them in the toilet tank that way they get fresh water every flush (with 5 kids that is quite often). But it you see salt (not where the salt use to be) then you have a ways to go, but it in a tub and heat the water to 90 degrees, it will speed up the salt dissolving process.
Does water always taste like salt and poo????
CR Member
After more closely examining the rock I decided I was going to supper heat the rock to cook off the rest of the salt.
I don't want a big salinity spike in the DT over time as it dissolves.
I've had it in a 5 gallon bucket of salt at 90 degrees with a small power head for about 24 hours now. I have slowly watched the salinity of the water in the bucket climb over this time period. Nothing wild but small incriments.
Previous to that it was in the makers DT for three weeks and my own frag tank for one.
Im going to keep it in the bucket for another 12 hours or so, then put it back into the frag tank (which doesn't have any corals in it yet) for a few days before I put it in the DT.
Any one else have any thoughts they want to share?
"We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
"If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys
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Just checked salinity, which was stable all night. I believe all salt is now dissolved. Putting back in frag tank tonight after work.
"We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
"If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys
CR Member
How is this working for you Rob? My current 65gal DT is all man-made rock and while I like it, I saw some issues with the maturation process that I never saw with true LR. Its taken about two years for my tank to reach the point where I feel like it is truly a mature tank.
I collect PEs, and I'm always looking to trade for ones I don't have yet.
CR Member
Working wonderfully! Coraline incrusted and blends in nicely. Can't even tell it MMLR!
There is one issue if noticed and that is sponges grow on the rock like crazy??
"We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
"If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys
CR Member
I would put it in a tub of saltwater - after a WC and after a day or two do some test's the usual stuff. I made some rock for my first tank and soaked it a lot. Did a WC twice a week with a powerhead for circulation Took about 60 days to finish cycling. Once the coraline algae took over, couldn't tell the difference but since I made it and oput it in the tank, I knew what pieces they were.
Real LR is easier to cycle IMO - too much trouble to make and cycle for me.
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