A Cycling Question

[naesco]

There are two schools of thought on the questions you ask.

My view is that live rock contain many things; Sponges, bacteria, coral and macro algae as well as tonnes of critters that are hiding in the rock. Although not necessary for a fish only set up, a reef tank benefits from LIVE live rock.
There is no point in buying live rock and killing it by cooking it IMO although I fully respect the opinions of those who disagree.

Therefore keep the lights on. Place the live rock so that the coral on the rock is closest to the light. If this coral survives harvesting from the sea, sitting on a dock in the sun and the flight over it will flourish in your tank. If algae starts to become a problem it can be dealt with as long as you do not leave it too long.

I disagree that the critters will die in a cycle. That has not been my experience and I have set up 6 tanks with really live rock. BTW take your time a cherry pick the best live rock. Look for lots of life on it.

You did not mention one important issue. Are you planning to add sand to your tank. If so go for a minimum of 2-3 inches of fine sand. It is harder to add it later.

Remember you should allow your tank to cycle which generally takes about a month before you add any fish. Add one fish per month unless they are really small fish.

The concept of a clean up crew (CUC) is a dated marketing ploy. Simply add a couple of hermit crabs if you like them and ten or so various snails. You can add more delicate stuff later.

Congratulations! You are defineately on the right track.

[Werbo]

"There is no point in buying live rock and killing it by cooking it IMO although I fully respect the opinions of those who disagree."

I disagree. Just so you know you are not "killing" live rock when you leave it in the dark for a period of time. Your goal is to kill unwanted algae. You want to perserve the benifical bacteria in the rock by cycling the rock in pristine water absent of light. Unfortunately other organisms that need light will also perish. Some of these will also come back such as many benificial sponges even after 4 weeks of darkness. Your rock will still be live rock after a prolonged period of darkness.

This hobby has many variables that can lead to long term problems. Uncured live rock can leach nitrates and phosphates for many months and feed algae living on uncured live rock.