Live Rock?

[tmccaff]

I have a Red Sea Max E 170 and have copper issue. Thinking of restarting it fresh since I tried everything to lower copper levels. How much rock do I need? Also, live rock sources, Tampa Bay, etc. Is it worth it to get the package or just the rock? Gulf Live Rock vs. Tampa Bay? Those are the only ones I know about.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I will always vouch for Tampa Bay Live Rock. We have some of their rock in our pico tank and could not be more pleased with it. @LiverockRocks can tell you more about TBS!

 

[RoanokeReef]

First I'd figure out where the copper is coming from

 

[tmccaff]

First I'd figure out where the copper is coming from

Came from a pump that burned in my tank :(

 

[DylanE]

I've used gulf live rock in the past and was super happy with the results. I just ordered 250lbs last night for my 300g that is currently filling.

 

[Hishman]

I ordered a pico pack from GLR and it came with wet tissue paper. Tampa Bay says they ship theirs submerged in water. I would think the latter is better.

 

[tmccaff]

Looks like the only way to get rock from TBS is air cargo. Air cargo is expensive isn't it?

 

[exnisstech]

I have a Red Sea Max E 170 and have copper issue. Thinking of restarting it fresh since I tried everything to lower copper levels. How much rock do I need? Also, live rock sources, Tampa Bay, etc. Is it worth it to get the package or just the rock? Gulf Live Rock vs. Tampa Bay? Those are the only ones I know about.

Have you used cuprisorb to remove the copper? Most of the rock in this tank was treated with copper and removed using cuprisorb. I never had any problem keeping coral and inverts. It should be easy to clean up a small tank this was a 180g
I do not do ICP and only relied on my Hanna copper tester.

 

[tmccaff]

Yes I used cuprisorb; metasorb; polyfilter waiting on ICP test. Hanna would show copper? I tried ATI and got zero. Inverts though die so assuming copper issue again. Maybe I didn't run it enough.

 

[56longroof]

KP Aquatics has some nice rock too.

 

[tmccaff]

Would 20lbs be enough? Or need more?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Would 20lbs be enough? Or need more?

Usually the ratio is 1 to 1 1/2lbs per gallon. I would shoot for 45lbs of live rock if you can!

Are you going to reuse any of your old rock or do a full new aquascape?

 

[jmcdona6]

I have a Red Sea Max E 170 and have copper issue. Thinking of restarting it fresh since I tried everything to lower copper levels. How much rock do I need? Also, live rock sources, Tampa Bay, etc. Is it worth it to get the package or just the rock? Gulf Live Rock vs. Tampa Bay? Those are the only ones I know about.

I started with one of TBS's smaller packages (7lb sand/3lb rock) to seed my Waterbox 6025 (~170G). Rest of the sand/rock was dry. Ugly phases have been minimal 8-9 months in. Biodiversity on just that small amount of seeding is crazy. I still find something new every week.

That said, I don't think you need to pay for all live rock/sand. Seeding works just fine. Though on that size tank the cost differential may not be that bad and worth going for.

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Love my TBS live rock! 10/10 would recommend. They are also very responsive to PMs here, and I'm sure they can help answer your questions on how much rock to buy.

 

[BryanM]

I have a Red Sea Max E 170 and have copper issue. Thinking of restarting it fresh since I tried everything to lower copper levels. How much rock do I need? Also, live rock sources, Tampa Bay, etc. Is it worth it to get the package or just the rock? Gulf Live Rock vs. Tampa Bay? Those are the only ones I know about.

Both companies are great with good rock. 1-2 pounds per gallon, I'd err on the side of more if you want several fish.

 

[exnisstech]

Yes I used cuprisorb; metasorb; polyfilter waiting on ICP test. Hanna would show copper? I tried ATI and got zero. Inverts though die so assuming copper issue again. Maybe I didn't run it enough.

I used Hanna copper checker. It won't detect very low levels like ICP but maybe those levels are not harmful? I can't say I just know after using cuprisorb I was able to use the rock without issues. All of that rock is now in a sump of another tank.
Maybe @Randy Holmes-Farley or one of the other chemistry folks know how much copper it takes to actually be harmful?

 

[LiverockRocks Verified Sponsor]

Looks like the only way to get rock from TBS is air cargo. Air cargo is expensive isn't it?

Check out the Treasure Chest Category for smaller amounts that ship via UPS.
Larger quantities ship via air cargo, it's not as expensive as you might guess. Email us for a quote.