Base Rock to Live Rock

[Ron99]

What is the general consensus on how long it takes a piece of base rock to have sufficient bacterial growth etc. to be equivalent to live rock after being added to an existing tank with other live rock?

I ask because I am building a pico tank and want to put some small pieces of base rock into my 10 gallon to "cook" so they can end up being live rock in the pico.

Thanks.

[Whatigot]

the time can vary greatly.
the only way to know for sure is to test for where you're at in the nitrogen cycle.

With no testing, I would wait 2 months to be sure, especially in a small system.

[Ron99]

I don't expect a cycle as they are dry base rock pieces going into an already cycled tank. So about 2 months then sounds about right for dry rock to become sufficiently seeded by cured live rock?

[Whatigot]

I have added totally dry rock and experienced a cycle.
I suppose if it were rinsed really well, it might help.

I think, if testing is not on the menu, that 2 months waiting would give you pretty good assurance that the rock was live.

[Ron99]

Okay, thanks. I'll make some periodic measurements once the rock is in.