what is the difference between cured live rock and live rock(saltwater aquariums)?
and what is the point of curing? how do i know if the rock at the fish store is cured?
Uncured live rock is shipped dry and encrusted with death lifeforms. Curing live rock involves placing the "dead" rocks in seawater and running a protein skimmer and monitoring the ammonia levels. When the ammonia level reaches zero (about a month) the beneficial bacteria colonies in the rock have grown and been rejuvenated now it is considered "live".
The best test for proper curing is to smell it. If it smells like fresh ocean it’s good if it smell like mildew or rot then it isn’t finished curing.
It has been held in a quarantine tank in the pet store for 3-4 weeks. Usually the store owner will allow you to pre-purchase the rock before it is moved out to the front showroom for sale. Then it stays at the store until the quarantine time has lapsed And the point of curing is to not infect your tank..
References :
Uncured live rock is shipped dry and encrusted with death lifeforms. Curing live rock involves placing the "dead" rocks in seawater and running a protein skimmer and monitoring the ammonia levels. When the ammonia level reaches zero (about a month) the beneficial bacteria colonies in the rock have grown and been rejuvenated now it is considered "live".
The best test for proper curing is to smell it. If it smells like fresh ocean it’s good if it smell like mildew or rot then it isn’t finished curing.
References :