Aquariums are magnificent in their own right, especially ones which are significant enough to make the viewer sense as though they have been transported into an undersea wonderland. For several folks the inside of a clear glass aquarium is as close as they will ever come to the wonders of the world under the ocean’s surface, and accordingly an aquarium which is as close to the natural habitat of its inhabitants as possible is a pleasure unto itself.

Live rocks, rocks which are veiled with both micro- and macroorganisms which help to digest the waste produced by the fish, are a required part of any natural ecosystem. For that reason it makes sense that they would be an important part of an fish tank habitat as well. It is not as straightforward as dropping a rock into an aquarium and allowing all manner of things to develop on it, though. There is a method that need be followed to guarantee optimal benefits for both the substantial fish tank and the live rock.

It is very simple to cure live rock ahead of inserting it in the aquarium, but this is an crucial measure that needs to be taken in order to thwart a build up of ammonia in the fish tank which could negatively affect the fish. To cure live rock initially take a plastic canister that is of a acceptable size to contain the quantity of live rock which you are operating with, subsequently fill it with saltwater. After that put a heater and water pump in the “tank” for optimal heat and circulation. Once the water has reached the wanted warmth withdraw the heater and pump and half of the water content, then preclean the rock in a bucket of saltwater by swishing it all-around to remove any lose organisms and waste and set it in the prepared water. Next reinstall the heater and pump and allow nature to do its thing!

The course of action is finished when an ammonia reading of the water wherein the rock resides is at zero and it is no longer giving off an awful smell. At this time it is harmless to implant the rock in your fish tank and enable Mother Nature’s impeccable filtering system to work for you.