i want to add more rock to an established tank

[Dcal]

title says it all, running out of coral space and want more hiding spots for the livestock.

leaning towards brs marco rock, what needs to be done before I add it so I don't get algae boom

 

[lapin]

You could soak it in some tank water for a few months until it forms some sort of bacteria and coraline skin. Dry rock has no life and one of the first things to grow is algae.

 

[Jekyl]

title says it all, running out of coral space and want more hiding spots for the livestock.

leaning towards brs marco rock, what needs to be done before I add it so I don't get algae boom

Adding established rock instead of dry. Otherwise you'll end up with algae on it. The new rock will have to go through much of the same process as your original rock.

 

[Cwentz758]

Realistically you could just rinse them in RO to get dust and stuff off and put them in and be fine.

Some may say soak them for a month or so and let the phosphates or other things leach out of them.

either way it’ll go through an ugly algae phase.

 

[dank reefer]

If you have space in your sump to place the rock, let it soak there.

 

[Dcal]

You could soak it in some tank water for a few months until it forms some sort of bacteria and coraline skin. Dry rock has no life and one of the first things to grow is algae.

Adding established rock instead of dry. Otherwise you'll end up with algae on it. The new rock will have to go through much of the same process as your original rock.

so some thoughts on possible options
1. if I just bought live rock from an lfs itd be good to go for the most part?

2. marco rock in a tote with some tank water and some nitrifying bacteria and let it run its course?

 

[Jekyl]

so some thoughts on possible options
1. if I just bought live rock from an lfs itd be good to go for the most part?

2. marco rock in a tote with some tank water and some nitrifying bacteria and let it run its course?

Option 1- yes. As long as it is already growing coralinr

Option 2- the actual cycle of the rock isn't a real factor. It's the maturity.

 

[Dcal]

Option 1- yes. As long as it is already growing coralinr

Option 2- the actual cycle of the rock isn't a real factor. It's the maturity.

so id be a little off in the head if I didn't choose the first option?

 

[Jekyl]

so id be a little off in the head if I didn't choose the first option?

That goes to personal preference. Never know what comes with live rock. If very strict on quarantine and such then maybe not.. Personally I'd be getting some KP or gulfliverock

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Dry rock u will see some diatom and cycle probably. Very little if any as far as the cycle goes.
Live rock u will see more die off. No or less algae and diatom outbreak.

I was thinking about this today. What happens when my 30# rocks become totally encrusted or i run out of coral room.

Lots of fragging. Offloading and new rock probably as ur doing.
My coral girl has a saw and i will prob end up cutting a lot of the rock up. We will see.
D

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I agree it wont matter in a tub seperate. Sump. Display.
D

 

[N3mo]

Acid dip and dry, then let soak in saltwater with bacteria starter. It will establish the biofilm,, if possible cycle it with light so to boost the ugly stage if any..

You still might get an ugly stage from the rock once Introduced to the tank but it can be managed easily.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

The dry rock will leach phosphates, learned that the hard way. Best to cure the crock then add it

 

[lelandmarine]

If you get live rock from the local fish store try to look in the tank to make sure there’s no aptasia or other pests. You can ask them if they’ve had any pests growing in their system. Look in all of their tanks to see if there are pests growing in them. If there are I would be hesitant about getting live rock from them

 

[lapin]

Dry Marco rock will not leech phosphate. I tested it and there were none detectable.
But something will grow on the rock as it has nothing when you get it.
It will go thru a normal maturity pattern.
Unless you are prone to algae then that growth will be at a minimum.

Option 1- yes. As long as it is already growing coraline

Option 2- the actual cycle of the rock isn't a real factor. It's the maturity.

This ^

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Dry Marco rock will not leech phosphate. I tested it and there were none detectable.
But something will grow on the rock as it has nothing when you get it.
It will go thru a normal maturity pattern.
Unless you are prone to algae then that growth will be at a minimum.

This ^

That’s cool considering it’s not a man made rock so life did die on that rock work. The company must have a great cleaning/curing process

 

[lapin]

That’s cool considering it’s not a man made rock so life did die on that rock work. The company must have a great cleaning/curing process

The rock has been dry for thousands of years. Anything living has turned to dust a long time ago and fallen off with outer layer of rock as it too turned to dust

 

[Dcal]

Well i found local live rock from a tank breakdown for 50 cents a pound so im going to check it out later today

jk already sold thats a bummer