Setup a holding tank for change-water

[2639]

I finally fixed two of three powerheads I have. I have a 400gph (don't know what make/model) and a 201 "PowerHead" (I think that's the make/model).

I went one step further and stuffed some floss in the intake of the 400 gph to help keep the water 'polished'. It's already found some debris. (from me cleaning the powerheads)

I put them both in an 18 gallon container I got from WalMart and stuck that in my garage. I won't need a heater cause the garage is always above 85 this time o' year.

I am going to be using Sea Chem's Reef Builder once my Kent Buffer dkh is used up. Since this is RO/DI water, I have to use this method.

I'm getting a shipment of rock from LiveRocks.com Tuesday and will use this tub to make sure the rock is cured.

My question is this: Since Im just getting through the initial cycle, does it REALLY matter that I cure the rock? I could just fix up the aqua-scape and let it cycle again but what I don't want to lose are the critters I have like my pods and worms and snails Ive found recently.

[cich1]

since your tanks not finished cycling anyway i'd say put the new rock all in and wait it out, my experience with LRs.com is it has been very fresh and had little die off. i know its hard to look at an empty tank but you'll have a nicer tank and fewer problems if you take your time and do it right in the begining

[2639]

I hear ya. I have been very good for the last month. I'm seeing all sorts of life in there now ;) It's really cool!
One major decision I'm gonna face is whether or not i should mix the rock in there now with the new LR or take out some of the rock. I don't wanna lower the total amount of water in the system. Ya know?

[TranZ]

I have to agree with Cich1......if u worried about the critters in your new LR...IMO they have a better chance of surviving in ur tank than on the tub of water in the garage with 85 degree temp.

[cich1]

just keep an eye on ammonia and nitrites and keep some water mixed up for changes if readings get very high, imo the hitch hikers on your lr are pretty hardy or else they would have never survived the trip from the supplier to you

[Doctor_Reef]

Ditto's....