Live rock in freshwater

[StevenA]

Hey all,

First off, I’m new to the forum, but have been lurking for the past 2 years.

Anyway, I have started a new biocube build and got some live rock to try for the first time. I was stupid and thought I prepared saltwater a few nights prior. Nope.. 1 bucket was, the other wasn’t. I went to check parameters this morning (maybe 10-12 hours since I received them and put them in the bucket) and found my salinity to be around 1.015. I immediately did a massive water change, and got it back to 1.025-1.026. Ammonia was 0.50ppm and nitrate around 5.0ppm prior to the water change.

Soooo my question is, is this live rock a goner… or can I continue to cycle it in hopes the remaining bacteria colonize??? I don’t mind the bristleworm and asterina star die off I’ve been seeing.. I just want to know if that beneficial bacteria will be ok. This is premium live rock so it’s got a lot of stuff and vegetation on it as well. (I’ve already ordered 5 more lbs for this stupid mistake…..)

 

[Spare time]

It should be fine. Marine nitrifying bacteria can tolerate quite a low salinity from my understanding. I'm sure some algae survived which will also help.

 

[StevenA]

It should be fine. They can tolerate quite a low salinity from my understanding.

Sweet. How will I know if it’s to be tossed? (not thrown away but treated and dried for a new build)

 

[Spare time]

I wouldn't dry it at all. I think whatever died has died and surely some stuff is alive.

Sweet. How will I know if it’s to be tossed? (not thrown away but treated and dried for a new build)

 

[StevenA]

I wouldn't dry it at all. I think whatever died has died and surely some stuff is alive.

Sweet. I guess I’ll continue to cure it and throw it in the tank once done.