Adding dry rock to a cycled tank

[Aeb1419]

Hey. Wanted to add some small pieces of porous rock to the back chamber of my all in one. Will a small cycle start? Im actually going on vacation, and my motherinlaw will watch the tank while im gone. Should I be worried? Dont want to trigger something that I cant control since ill be gone. The tank has been up for 5 months now with livestock. Any advice?

 

[myinvalidname]

If it’s true dry rock, ie nothing that is dying off, then you shouldn’t have a mini cycle. Dry rock shouldn’t have anything to decompose and produce ammonia. The dry rock will start to populate with bacteria and become live rock.

 

[Dom]

I wouldn't chance adding it to the tank without first cycling it in a bucket.

My experience has been that dry rock tends to have lots of organics which will lead to an algae bloom.

I once added 20 pounds of dry rock from BRS to an established tank. Didn't cycle. Absolute HAVOC in the tank. Horrible algae bloom which took weeks to self correct.

 

[rkpetersen]

Depends on the rock; where you got it, whether it's been in a tank before, whether it's been precleaned.

 

[James M]

I would wait till you come back and then add it. The best thing would be to cure the rock or soak it in water to let everything leach out before adding it to your tank

 

[Silverbacknta]

I agree with Dom. I wouldn't do it especially if you are going on vacation and won't be around to monitor your tank. Your nitrate and phosphate levels could rise. You could add ceramic media to increase your bio media. It comes in many different shapes and sizes now that could easily be added to the back of your tank. Hope you have a great time on your vacation.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

I feel it’s never a good idea to do anything to a tank before you leave on vacation. I’d hold off till your back.

 

[EW_Fish]

I always add a rock here and there. I have never countered any issues. Total water value is 140g.

 

[Aeb1419]

I guess maybe I shouldnt take a chance. I was going to add liferock which I had some left over. Thanks for the advice!

 

[EW_Fish]

I guess maybe I shouldnt take a chance. I was going to add liferock which I had some left over. Thanks for the advice!

Dont add a ton just a little and then add some more. Give it some time

 

[Rilo]

I don't add any large pieces of rock compared to water volume. Just smaller pieces. Never had negative issues except for some things leaching out which is expected. Since the rock is so small the impact is little.