more LR curing questions

[randymon]

Is it ok to use declorinated, tap water to cure live rock? Will seachems Prime work? Also still not sure if a tank heater will be enough to cure in the cold garage? If I did it in my daylight basement how bad will the smell be. We have a childcare buisness there but I could do it in the laundry room, that the kids dont use.

[bguile]

Randymon,

During my curing process I used tap water. I felt no need to waste money on buying water or wasting my filter on water that you're going to end up throwing out anyways. The smell, depending on how much rock and what type you have, will be pretty bad. I wouldn't recommend curing it indoors if you have a lot to cure. How much are we talking about anyways?

I cured my rock around this time last year outside under a porch in two 30 gallon tubs. Nightly temperatures were around 25-40 degrees F. I used one 150w heater and covered both tubs and it maintained the temp pretty good.

[Ninong]

Is it ok to use declorinated, tap water to cure live rock?

Yes.

Will seachems Prime work?

Yes.

Also still not sure if a tank heater will be enough to cure in the cold garage?

If you can keep the water temperature around 64-68 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be OK. Set your heater for 78 F and then check in the morning to see if you are anywhere near that or if you have dropped down into the low 60's. I have a feeling you will be able to maintain the temperature above 68 F without problems.

If I did it in my daylight basement how bad will the smell be. We have a childcare buisness there but I could do it in the laundry room, that the kids dont use.

It all depends on the condition of the live rock and how much of it you have to cure.