Curing 200 Pounds Of Pukani Dry Rock | 300 Gallon Reef Tank

[@Hissingexcellence]

Love your comments to the know-it-all crowd. Spoken like a true soldier. Keep the videos coming Travis. You are helping a lot of us learn the hobby man. Lead the way.

[@johnathandove77]

Getting ready for a 150 gallon reef, going from a 90 gallon. This channel has helped a ton. Keep up the good work and great videos. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have had to make.

[@donward2466]

Enjoyed all of it. Loved the last 30 seconds. Been doing this for 25 years and still don't know everything. Appreciate you taking your time to share your antidotal information. Look forward to each posting. Whether the information confirms long standing opinions or enlightens me to new ones, they are welcomed.

[@ericolsen9799]

Great video bro. I used the exact same method for my tank and had great results. I cured the rock first with fresh water for 10 days to save a few pennies. 6 weeks later I started the cycling process and had great results. I never had any crazy algae and was able to get some soft corals in right away. Anyone who tries to cure their rock in their tank is in for a world of frustration. Cant wait to see next videos. Thanks for the great content.

[@sharontaylor3564]

thanks for this one.......I didn't know about curing rocks.....glad you are here for us beginners...I like your demeanor .....

[@vincenttaylor2975]

You are definitely one of my favorite reefing KZbinrs. The quality and frequency of your videos is amazing!

[@David-Does]

Its great to see tanks mature up properly and correctly, there are so many people on FB and YT giving wrong info in relation to this. They "and well known you tubers" are literally stocking there tank within days of purchasing and wonder why 10 months down the line they have algae issues that never go away, they wonder why they become disheartened and throw in the towel. You see it all over sites new hobbyists that have spent a fortune on high end gear trying to sell at near the same price they purchased it for, then weeks later for it to pop back up for peanuts.

[@FishOfHex]

This is what i have been saying for a long time but people still feel the need to start shit with me every time i do lol

[@David-Does]

FishOfHex listen its great seeing what you do your passion and inspiration shows, keep up the good work!

[@jameswilliford5478]

Really enjoying your videos. Just getting back into reef tank after 25 years tankless. I'm sure most people really appreciate what your doing, as I do.

[@thetaberfamily]

I love your straight talking attitude....awesome. Keep up the great videos.

[@Rarecommentry]

You are so frank. Just love watching these videos for the passion and commitment you bring in making these and sharing your knowledge.

[@Bhodges9582]

I'm about to cure some rock too, I like how you roll. Simple but effective. Nice video, keep them coming, I really enjoy your content and enjoy taking this journey with you.

[@FishOfHex]

Thanks man

[@flaviodesignaquariums1690]

Can't wait to see the 300g build , it's going to be awesome.

[@ReefEco]

Nice work Travis - I like that you are taking your time (8-10 weeks) - going to make the rock a great start for the 300.

[@FishOfHex]

Yea that should be plenty of time, no need to rush

[@marcomarcos5533]

Love your channel all the way from South Africa

[@FishOfHex]

Thanks man

[@abishakesutharsan9616]

Im struggling to maintain my freshwater and ive learned a lot in the 5 yrs of keeping fish. When im older i know i will get a saltwater. I made a playlist with over 20 vids of urs so i can be successful. Thank u

[@Davelembo]

Good info. Lots of fuzzy tanks lately. I agree with the strong words at the end. It needed to be said

[@FishOfHex]

Yea i have been seeing many fuzzy tanks lol, as for the end i tend to let things go bc it is the internet but people can be real dicks for no reason and id rather keep that away from the channel.

[@anitacuk]

I had one of those fuzzy tanks:) 9 months down the line and I am only just starting to enjoy my little reef tank. I don't think I fully understood the whole nitrate and phosphate deal when I started and although I thought I had cured my rock (5 weeks) I didn't get the importance of actually doing water changes and testing during the process. If there's a next time .. I will be following your method to a T:)

[@charlesleslie4752]

And Thank You for your service. 👍👍

[@yuyiboy]

Well said!! 👍🏽

[@1mightymre]

Great video bro please please keep them coming. And two last 30 to 20 seconds great great great. Truth hurts sometimes. We sould all be here to help each other out not bring everyone down. All of us no matter who you are can learn something from someone else. Again great vid.

[@FishOfHex]

Thank you and i didnt know if i wanted to say something but it has become and issue

[@joshuabenninger1816]

Thanks for the PSA at the end of this video! I’m very new to the hobby and there is so much information to learn. It can be quite daunting. Although I haven’t experienced any of that nonsense on your channel yet it has happened. Unfortunately it makes us rooks uncomfortable asking questions. These channels should be a format of learning and encouraging new reefers. Thanks again and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@barbaradonaldson2774]

Great videoTravis. I wished your channel was around when I set up my 29 and 40 gallon tanks several years ago.

[@FishOfHex]

Im here now and its never to late :)

[@myreeflife7072]

Nice PVC setup in there! Never thought to test the curing water, great tip. It pays to have patients

[@FishOfHex]

Yea its not something that needs to be done, but i always like to double check at the end to make sure nitrites are not show up bc that would mean you dont have enough bacteria to break down nitrites to nitrates and would be a good idea to wait a little longer.

[@myreeflife7072]

FishOfHex Good to know. Thank you!

[@koaleighhomestead2606]

Great video Travis and curing dry rock is a must, we were naive to how important this is when we got our dry rock ages ago and just washed it under a tap until it ran clear. After having the rock in the tank for a while I saw something starting to come out of the rock that looked like snot. Needless to say we had algae issues galore for a long time. Looking forward to more updates on your 300g build :)

[@FishOfHex]

We have all done that, I just hope this video and comments like yours can save a tank or two.

[@PRFishGirl]

Great video Travis

[@InsomniaSober]

Awesome content as always. Love the last 30 seconds, too! Pretty sure the just made you my favorite reefer KZbinr!

[@FishOfHex]

Thank man

[@almostreal96]

awesome video mate, keep up the good work

[@anthonysilva5015]

I enjoy watching your videos. I'm new and soon will be getting items needed to start my own build. Currently have a 210gal I picked up with a cracked front that I plan on replacing, price was too good to pass up. Great last statement... :)

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Thanks for your quick response. I guess it wasn't a good idea to buy a little extra or different types of rock for future use. Very different than freshwater. Wash, rinse, use! LOL

[@Leigh33]

Yet another good informative upload. Great job Travis.

[@FishOfHex]

Thank You

[@cubanreefer1582]

Hey Travis Thank you! For all your tips about power outages, they were right on the money, people worry about power and thy forgot about other things like temperature thing that you mention in your videos all the time over and over. Man Thank you! All my corals are good and all fish. Question for you , should I make a good water change now that everything is normal, waiting for your reply my friend and once again Thank you! People like you that post all this videos deserve an award for Love and Care

[@FishOfHex]

I would do a 10% water change and then do another in a week. Just go slow and the fact that the coral and fish are doing good means everything is going in the right direction.

[@d8trace]

Love your vids, been watching a long time. My tank thankfully survived Irma, I live on the east coast of Florida. Thanks for the info you provide.

[@FishOfHex]

Thanks man glad the tank survived and its always good to hear that i helped

[@caewalker9276]

Good set up

[@FishOfHex]

thank You

[@MrAnthism]

Thanks for the video, I have a question. I want to make smaller pieces of rock so I can make a specific aquascape for the reef, but the thing I want is not gonna fit in a barrel, can I make the curing process with the rocks as they are before crack them, and when the process gets where it needs to be then crack them and glue them? I mean that if I'll do it that way the curing rocks will be out of the water for 12 or 24 hours for the epoxy to cure, so, it is a no go! Isn't it?

[@kurtscoville5324]

Always great content and advice Travis.

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Is it a good idea to keep extra cured, cycled rock around for later use? Do all dry rocks have to be cured? Can they just be washed and added to a tank with biological solution and let cycle in a tank before starting to add livestock? Or if using dry rock for a setup, you always have to buy it months in advance and prepare and cure it before ever using it? I've got about 20 # sitting around. For future possible use. Suggestions on what I should do with it? Then how about storing it?

[@FishOfHex]

Unless you plan on selling the live rock i dont really see a need to keep any extra around. I personally feel all dry rock should be cured before adding it to a system, now reef saver rock tends to be very clean but i still cure for 4 weeks to build a bacteria film over the rock. If you plan on keeping live rock around you will need to run a pump or some kind of flow all the time.

[@noslengonzalez3279]

You are becoming one of my favorite KZbinr. Thank you for the video. Keep doing a great job. If you can do a full video of your salt water mixing stations a more detail one and how everything works. I'm trying to copy it but I haven't been able to get like a complete shot of it.

[@FishOfHex]

I had one let me link it. if its not enough info i can make another kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJzUlGdsgsaNmMk

[@noslengonzalez3279]

FishOfHex perfect. I had not seen this one. How did you set up you ato to turn on the second it starts going down. I do have manual float valves. But once it closes it the ato will stay on and dump the water via the disposed water side.

[@Jonyace]

I love the end of that video

[@illmanner415]

Nice vid. You answered all my questions keep up the good work

[@4rdzlla]

For someone that doesnt have a tank yet but working building one. You recommend putting a shrimp in it from day one to help create bacteria. Also it might be in the tub for like 2 to 3 months until I finally finish equipment to start the tank cycle.

[@vanessadoucette-buch1658]

Great video and thank you for being kind😃

[@danlinek6302]

Love your videos. Can't wait to see the rest of this series

[@jon713]

What would be a good way to seed the beneficial bacteria if I don't have old tank water. I could get a rock from my local pet store but worry about hitch hikers. I also thought about off the self products that make claims about seeding but not sure how they work. Appreciate your thoughts.

[@FishOfHex]

You dont need to use anything to seed the bacteria it will happen on its own. I would stay away from live rock from the lfs you can end up with some really bad stuff.

[@kpjuly3199]

Hi, Im new to hobby. Just got a bunch of live rock from a friend. Its actually dead rock now. Wanna store it for future use. Whats the process to clean and store it? Thx

[@raymenhuang5755]

Do you think a skimmer would help lowering the frequency of water change?

[@FishOfHex]

I have used a skimmer before but unless you want to change the cup every day it wasnt really worth it. Big water changes have always been the way to go in my eyes.

[@MHoran86]

Realize this video is somewhat old and you've commented throughout other more recent videos on this topic, so understand you may not be able to get back to this right away. With that said, over the last 2 years, both of my main tanks cracked and even my 30 gal nano ended up with a burned out return pump. Throughout all 3 tank crashes, it resulted with me having to transfer the coral thst survived and small livestock over to my QT tank(s) at the time. As I've been squirreling away parts and building my new main tank, I've used the 2 tanks I have as coral grow outs. Recently I was planning on upgrading 1 of the tanks, since both tanks have outgrown their orginal use, however its been about 16 months since I've had an actual reef tank and decided instead I wanted to turn this upgrade into a mini mixed reef. I already built a scape, and was planning on curing it for 3-4 weeks, then transferring it, my biomedia and coral over to the upgrade. I can wait the 6-8 weeks as suggested, but I have pretty large amount of online orders I've already had to delay, and asking for 1 month seems like a big ask already, 2 months maybe an impossible ask. Is a month doable without any lingering issues, if so any tips? Or should I just go with the orginal plan and just upgrade the coral grow out, take the extra month of curing on the rock? Usually I understand patients is part of the process, I just don't want to make my issues become my vendors

[@sweetbourget19]

Hahaha I love that u speak your mind at the end. I met you years aga at that fish place frag swap before you were a big youtuber. Congrats on your success!!!!! I'm starting a 280 custom tank and wanna cycle my rock in brute trash cans. After I cycle it should I add food to feed the bacteria and if so what kind of food pellets or fresh?

[@curtisbridgen1493]

Nice video as usual, keep it up. Thanks.

[@ericmorissette8222]

After you cure your rock how long do you have after to aquas cape with the rock? How long can you have it out of the water, for how many days or hours?

[@FishOfHex]

I had it out for over 24 hours and had no issues. Checkout my 300 gallon build playlist the aquascaping is in that

[@oonyewooi608]

Thanks for your sharing

[@jsgarrido]

Great vids bro

[@SolomonKane71]

Have you ever tried running a skimmer while curing the rock? Does it make any difference?

[@Semper.Reefing]

Not sure if I missed it but do you add bacteria to your drums as well? I’m about to cure all my rock and have a big bottle of Dr Tim’s I figured I’d pour in there

[@c4snipar]

What if the phosphate level or any of the levels are high? Do you cure it longer?

[@jbslade82]

So I'm about to start this process. However, I'm curious how long can the rock be out of the curing tank before it is placed into the display tank? It will be my first time building an aquascape and might dremel some holes into the rock, saw the bottom for stability etc. I don't want the cured live rock to turn into dead rock. Hope this makes sense.

[@professorpheesh6107]

love it. I'll be doing this in my next build without a doubt. love the Piss statement too. how much do you guys pay for a kilo of pukani. thx!

[@FishOfHex]

Non wholesale is about $3.70 a pound or close to that and its what 1lb = 0.45kilo? guess just need to do some math

[@professorpheesh6107]

good to know thanks

[@dinofernando91]

I am starting a new system and live rock is cheap here in my country; would you recommend/suggest going with dry or live rock?

[@FishOfHex]

Im not a big fan of live rock for a couple reason. 1 they pull it out of the ocean, 2 you never know what kind of critters you might get. If you want to control everything that comes into the tank best to go with dry rock.

[@Cramer2Miller]

First, Thank you! My 8 year old Son is obsessed with Aquatic life.We have been running Cichlid tanks since his interest started at age 5. He has been pushing me to start a Saltwater Tank and I’ve caved. We’ve been watching your videos for about a month. I have a 125 predrilled and a 55 that I converted to a sump (after watching one of your builds). The tank is running empty. We have just received over 100lbs of Rock previously used. Is this method good for curing already used rock or do I need to take additional steps? Thank you!!!!

[@jbslade82]

Great video. Two questions, is salt water necessary? Also, when your done with the cure, just throw them into the DT and start the cycle?

[@FishOfHex]

Yes you need salt, Curing is Cycling.

[@leel6429]

Lol at the end. Exactly.

[@Random.Thoughts21]

Well said bro and great videos like always.

[@FishOfHex]

Thank you

[@huntersmall6162]

How do you glue the rocks together if they are wet

[@BassandDrumsCc]

i sub just because you keep it 100 by the way i have a question i was told in my 29g tank that i would need min of 12 pounds of rock/40 pounds by two diff stores which is it?

[@FishOfHex]

The amount of rock comes down to stocking plans. Put whatever amount that looks good to you and going with pukani will allow you to use less bc of it surface area. I wouldn't Over think it best of luck

[@mjscrubs9506]

Question... Got my rock from the ocean scrubbed it, soaked with rodi water for 2weeks,then scrubbed again, soaked again with rodi water with chlorine for another 2weeks, washed with rodi, soaked with rodi with 2 bots of anti chlorine.. Would this b okey?

[@atfinthehouse8631]

What happens if you just rinse pukani rock and put it in a new tank and try to cycle it? Besides taking a bit longer. What about adding it to established tanks after rinsing and washing it but not curing it?

[@AlexsReef]

Hey fish of hex, please take your time on this one, no need to rush on my question. Hey brother I have been working my way back into the hobby, got some dry reef saver rock from brs. 20 pounds for my 22gallon aio nano. I am going to do a small curing/ start cycling. I know my cycling has to be done but do I really need to cure this reef saver, it's not really like the live rock that I used back in the days. Thanks fish of hex!

[@FishOfHex]

This reef savor curing isnt as big of a deal but i would run the tank without lights for a few weeks allowing the bacteria to populate on the rock to cut down on any algae that might pop up.

[@AlexsReef]

FishOfHex awesome man, also I am using a live sand, with microbacta 7, and the brightwell xport bio cubes to also help with that bacteria growth. I was hoping that hand over hand it would help that amount of time.

[@ericlind6581]

I saw another video where after placing dry rock and filling salt water, they added fish and a B.B. formula together. Will that work instead of curing?

[@ryanmatheson3770]

You make me laugh dude. I hope I get to meet you one day if I ever make it over to the US haha.

[@FishOfHex]

Yea maybe some day the channel will be big enough to take trips not only in the US but around the world. You never know.

[@ryanmatheson3770]

FishOfHex well I hope you make it to Australia one day dude! Maybe you can do a guest appearance at MACA in Cairns.

[@FishOfHex]

I can only hope this hobby allows me to do something like that some day.

[@adrianwayne5759]

Love your vid i'm in the UK

[@FishOfHex]

Thank You

[@mattpaul6805]

Nice Video mate!!

[@plootsa]

Thanks for the great tips

[@cicco1838]

awesome thanks for video

[@MrRocchinodoesthings]

Will we be seeing your mastery at the winter frag swap at That Pet Place again?

[@FishOfHex]

I will be at the swap in october

[@MrRocchinodoesthings]

Expect me!

[@zachmiller2456]

I'm trying to cure about 35 lbs of reef saver dry live rock. Can you explain why you have to use saltwater for this process? & can I assume 4 week without a test kit a the moment. Using RODI water

[@Gssirr]

Hey when you do the water change on the pukani rock shake off all the dirt thats on the rock, you will be amazed how black the water is going to turn.

[@FishOfHex]

Yea i tend to take out what i can and brush it off. This stuff gets nasty i couldnt imagine just putting it in a tank.

[@JenniferRaingarden]

Hello! I just found your channel (yes im late i know). Thank you for the great information. I would like to start a coral tank but i am a bit confused as to what the best light i would need to help them stay healthy. My tank is a 75gal. Thank you in advance :)

[@juliecosta5959]

Hey Travis, what kind of return pump do you plan on using for the new 300? I tend to be budget conscience like yourself and I am currently thinking about going DC for my new 120 mixed reef build (used Mag drives most of my years in hobby). Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Your videos are very informative please keep them coming.

[@FishOfHex]

Hey i plan on using the jebao dcs12000, the same pump i had on the 125g and the 200g frag system.

[@juliecosta5959]

Thank you.

[@loriranee9201]

Hey im tired of waiting for my rodi unit to make water,so im trying tap my tds is 048ppm,ammonia 0,nitrite 0 and nitrate 0.My problem is i have reef crystals and i dont know the ca and mag levels of my tap water so will this make them too high?

[@FishOfHex]

Your tap wont have cal or mag, well at least it shouldnt. I would find a way to wait for the ro/di unit its just better overall and you bypass so many unknown issues with water.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

interested in seeing if u have the same algae issues everyone else has had with pukani.. some people acid bath.. some cure outside the tank.. some just cure it in the tank (like i did) .... ive seen mixed accounts on algae issues in all cases.. Good luck with yours .. .. It all works itself out eventually but it def is a PITA ether way lol....

[@FishOfHex]

I have never had any issues with pukani in past builds or any of my clients. You added pukani without curing it first and then added light. That is why you have algae issues now.. no other reason.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

keep in mind.. i cured it in my tank for 6-7 weeks without light or fish.. and then started doing 50% weekly water changes after that... basically the same as what your doing in the barrel with the exception of not doing the water changes right away... missed a few key steps but still will be corrected in time.. regardless

[@FishOfHex]

Thats to long to go without doing water changes, you might of cured it within the tank for that time but bc you didnt do any water changes all those nitrates and phosphates just soaked back into the rock and now its coming out.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

good point... thats the crucial step that was missed... now will take triple the time to get rid of it all... gonna remove lights all together for awhile and continue water changes.. manual removal and run the scrubber to get rid of it... taking the harder road but will document it all..

[@FishOfHex]

you're better off taking it out and curing it that way bc you could be looking at several months of scrubbing.

[@d8trace]

Been in this addiction for about 10 years, and constantly learning. If you don't mind me asking, what was your MOS?

[@FishOfHex]

19k but ended up re-classing in a way to 11B during MOB and was a Mk19 gunner in Aghanistan.

[@d8trace]

FishOfHex 31 K ,12 B. Thanks again.

[@ukreef5945]

Can anyone help what name of corals at 9:35 of the video?

[@FishOfHex]

no coral at that time its the end of the video

[@ukreef5945]

Upsss 8:25 .Sorry for the typo

[@FishOfHex]

Hollywood stunner chalice I sell them on my site fishofhex.com/products-services/buy-coral/

[@austinwiant8580]

How do I know when the rocks are safe to add to my tank. Thanks

[@FishOfHex]

When the nitrate test amount is low. I actually look at the water the rock is curing in if its dirty or has a smell its not ready. Keep changing it and wait.

[@BALD8BIL]

I have one question for you I had to remove some of my rock from my aquarium do too aiptasia I was told to keep it outside for 3 or 4 days which I have done that but I kept it in a 5 gallon bucket of r o d i water I have since clean the rocks from everything now I have it in my trash can with salt water in it did that todaywhich it looks like I need to continue doing this for a few weeks but the question I have can I take sponges from my sump and move them to the trash can well that work for me to be able to put it back in my aquarium faster.if you're wondering why I keep sponges in my sump I want saw a video that said it helps with good bacteria I don't know if that's true or I've only been in the saltwater hobby for about 2 years and still no a lot

[@laminar_flow]

Great info, as always! Way to squash the trolls!

[@mooselarson9814]

I am curious on why you need to do it in a separate container, Why can’t you just cure it in the tank?

[@jessemaksymetz1797]

So when you cure your rock all that stuff. You still need to cycle your tank no. So what this does is just take the dead crap off the dead rock anyways right? I am just gunna start out and I want to do a 300 g so that I won't have to go out and upgrade 7 times just doing it all at once and be set

[@FishOfHex]

You wont need to cycle your tank if you cure rock bc part of the curing is building up the bacteria to process waste. Everything that is dead on the rock will rot and be processed by the bacteria during the curing time. Doing water changes will allow you to remove nitrates and phosphate like you would normally do during water changes in the aquarium but having the rock in a barrel like this will allow you to remove more nutrients faster and also keep light away from the rock. Light + Nutrients= algae.

[@jessemaksymetz1797]

FishOfHex thank you !

[@mudbug535]

Amen brother bullying is the fastest way to run some one out of the hobby . I can’t stand a bully

[@Deon0026yickadee]

CN you putba update video?

[@FishOfHex]

Sure can

[@Deon0026yickadee]

FishOfHex sweet!

[@tsurro8086]

Not sure if curing it will really help out, I soaked and power washed and still have issues, maybe vinegar bath will do it, good luck with ur way!

[@FishOfHex]

Curing rock like this has worked for years with 0 issues.

[@charlesleslie4752]

Your the man!! Love the Fuck off comment.

[@Brett5106]

I'm starting a new build and bought pukani rock. In my opinion that was a mistake. That rock is just to nasty and time consuming. I then purchased Marco rock and could not of been happier. You can put Marco right in your tank and start your cycle.

[@xscriberx]

What about starting off with bleach to clean the rock?

[@FishOfHex]

Sure but im about doing it naturally

[@jaymealcay1977]

Wow!! That's one thing I can't stand is when people bully new-bs

[@FishOfHex]

Yea its been getting bad so i felt something needs to be said, the only problem is those type of people probably dont watch all of my videos bc you know they already know everything lol.

[@blackstar94370]

But i really gonna use your technique for the futur

[@anniejefferson7614]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@milkspotscausemetospazzout6813]

Hell is wrong with people bullying...Must have been the people that bullied the quiet kid at school...I hate bullies.

[@myopinion6328]

Once again I wished I had watched your videos sooner..I was told I could cook my rocks in the tank..what a mistake...unless you like algae lol

[@FishOfHex]

Yea man this stuff gets really bad if you just drop it in a tank.

[@blackstar94370]

Nice video .. but not to agreed with your theories of the rocks.. about the algae...

[@ericmorissette8222]

Great Vid Thx