Curing and Setting Live Rock

Why is it so important to cure live rock before adding it to my aquarium?

• Freshly imported live rock has some die-off which occurs during the shipping process.
• If you place uncured rock directly into your aquarium this die-off will create excess ammonia, which can be toxic to fish.
• We recommend that you cure live rock for at least ten days before adding it to your aquarium.
• For brand new aquariums without any fish, you may add as much uncured live rock as you want directly to your aquarium. It will actually expedite the cycling process of your aquarium as it cures.
• If you don't want to cure the rock yourself, try SECA’s fully cured live rock available in-store.
• Our cured live rock may be added directly to your aquarium. Just rinse it in a bucket of your aquarium water first to remove any unwanted inhabitants.

How should I cure my live rock?

• Fill a new garbage bin or large plastic tub with saltwater, a heater and place a light over it .(if at all possible attach a small skimmer)
• Place the new live rock into the tub or garbage bin.
• Place one or two powerheads into the tub or trashcan with the live rock to create water movement.
• Make sure the powerheads are submerged and cannot turn to where they could pump water out of the tub.
• After 4-6 days perform a 50% water change on the tub or trashcan.
• After 10-14 days you may remove the rock and place it in your aquarium.
• Dunk the rock in a clean bucket of saltwater to rinse it off one last time before placing it in your aquarium.
• Remember, cured live rock should not have the same pungent smell as uncured rock.

How should I set the rock in the aquarium?

• Please note: Be careful not to let the rocks touch the front of the aquarium or fall against the aquarium, because they will definitely scratch it.
• Always take care when setting rock.
• For new aquariums, it is much better and easier to set the rock into an empty aquarium with only a sand bed and then fill it with saltwater which is at the correct temperature.
• First, make sure that you wiggle the bottom layer of rocks down through the sand so that they rest firmly on the bottom of the aquarium.
• Stagger the rocks on the bottom layer creating interesting caves and passageways through them also allowing for better water movement. Use bigger, heavier rocks for the bottom layer.
• For the next layer use longer flatter rocks to bridge the gaps between the rocks on the first layer. Make sure to wedge the rocks in securely.
• If the rocks don’t seem to fit together try adjusting some of the rocks on the bottom layer.
• If the rocks don’t fit together tightly, use smaller rocks to act as spacers and give the larger rocks a sound foundation.
• If you need smaller rocks, use a hammer to break one of the larger rocks into pieces.
• Use the bottom palm of your hand to hit the rocks and wedge them tightly into place but be careful not to either cause a fall which may result in either a scratched or cracked aquarium.
• When setting the rock, think about creating caves and hiding places, as well as many levels of platforms for your coral to sit on.
• When you are finished, tap your hand around on the rocks to make sure they are secure and not wobbly. You do not want rocks to fall down or get knocked over.