Live rock in new salt water reservoir

[flagg37]

I was reading another thread about stuff growing in their new saltwater reservoir. I’ve had the same experience and always wondered why this happens. I can mix new saltwater and put it right in my tank and it doesn’t have the same problem, so why would it be different when it goes into a different container. Then it occurred to me that there isn’t any biological filtration. Would it make sense to put some live rock in the bottom?

 

[blaxsun]

I think that would have the opposite effect that you’re looking for.

 

[Timfish]

I would argue the biology in a mixing tank that always has water is different than in a container that is emptied and dried out and different than a reef tank with lights. Even reef tanks that have different light intensity and spectrum will have different noticable differences in biology. Unless you sterilize a container there's going to be life that is immediatel going to take advantage of the water added.