Can I cure rock at high heat?

[crahan]

I’m setting up a tank with used, dry rock from other tanks. I want to cure it in brutes with flow and MicroBacter-Clean.

I don’t want the odors in the house and would like to cure it outside. Here in South Texas, daytime temps are in the 90f-95f range in the shade.

Thoughts? Is it too hot to try that?

 

[BeanAnimal]

I don't see an issue other than I don't know what is in the MicroBacter product and what what temperature those bacteria will be stressed or die. Even then, I don't see harm but maybe wasted effort.

What is your goal? I don't know anything about the product.

 

[Naekuh]

correction, your definition of high heat is 90-95f sitting outside in ambients right and not boiling it out on a BBQ grill inside a pot?

The later can be very dangerous depending on the live rock..

 

[GARRIGA]

Supposedly bacteria populate best at high temps but not sure how high. Are you trying to preserve the diversity of bacteria? That’s where did be concern with temp limits.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

What are you wanting to do? I get the impression you are wanting to cycle used rocks that are not clean?

If you want to cycle the rocks, then better to bleach them first, then cycle them, that way there is no odor. There should not be any odor if the rocks are cleaned.

 

[crahan]

The rock has been dry for years but has who knows how much organic material in it. The curing is to clear it of that.

BRS video said 2 months dark at 78f with circulation. They added that the MicroBacter Clean had bacteria that like to break down organic and would speed up the process.

102f today and I wonder if ANY bacteria will survive that.

 

[crahan]

What are you wanting to do? I get the impression you are wanting to cycle used rocks that are not clean?

If you want to cycle the rocks, then better to bleach them first, then cycle them, that way there is no odor. There should not be any odor if the rocks are cleaned.

Correct.. cycling used rock that is not clean.

I suppose I could bleach small amounts at a time but have 120# of rock to cycle.

 

[Naekuh]

102f today and I wonder if ANY bacteria will survive that.

Yout tub water temp will be lower due to evaporation, unless its insulated.

So even if its 102F outside, chances are the water in that tub is like 88-90, or even less if there is a light breeze over the top to accelerate evaporation.

 

[TokenReefer]

I wonder if the higher temp would allow only types of bacteria that are suited to it? Our tanks are obviously kept much lower. Not sure of course, just speculating.

 

[Naekuh]

I wonder if the higher temp would allow only types of bacteria that are suited to it? Our tanks are obviously kept much lower. Not sure of course, just speculating.

well a cheat sheet in cycling is to raise your temp to like 84-85F.
As well as run the tank a little hypo.

But if you go too high, you can have die off's, which can cause spikes in things you don't want.

 

[crahan]

Thanks for the feedback all. I suppose I have nothing to lose by sticking it outside for a while and see what happens. If it isn’t behaving, I’ll stick it in bathroom with the exhaust fan running. More concerned with avoiding the odor.

If nitrates climb for a bit, they are working, right?

Many thanks to everyone. I’ll let you know.

 

[cdnco2004]

Correct.. cycling used rock that is not clean.

I suppose I could bleach small amounts at a time but have 120# of rock to cycle.

Bleach it in the brutte can.

 

[Cell]

Used dry rock with potential organics I like to soak in 1:10 bleach water for 7-10 days perhaps refreshing halfway through and then rinsing thoroughly and dry fully in the sun.

I also think your plan will be fine. I wouldn't worry about the heat when all you really want to do is cure anyway.