Dry Pukani Rock - Curing - aquascaping

[Easto]

I have some dry Pukani currently. This is my plan:

I am going to clean the rock either with bleach + water or do the Muriatic acid + water clean to get rid of any dead material.

From there I'll put the rock in a rubbermaid container with salt water to cure the rock.

Once the rock is done curing unless I am totally out in left field here, it will have all the beneficial bacteria I am looking for and ready for the tank.

I had Eli at Fijireefrock out together an aquascpe for me based on the dimensions of my tank. A few of the pieces of rock will need some epoxy to hold them in place.

How long can the rock be left out of the water without ruining/killing the bacteria?

I plan on aquascaping the rock in the tank then adding water once I have the rock how I want it.

Is this a good idea or should I fill the tank and add the rock with water already in?