I want to update my rockscape a bit on my 120g mixed. It's been running for a year and a half now without an issues whatsoever. Can I add some pieces of dried rock to the tank without any issues? Obviously I wouldn't be exchanging my entire rock structure for new dried stuff but rather a slow process of swapping some rocks out for "nicer" stuff.
Adding dried rock to a current tank
- Thread starter SycoCell
- Start date
mcgyvr
New member
You can absolutely add new dry/clean rock to a tank without issues..
Not sure why you came to think its a bad idea.. Its not at all..
After a tank has cycled you can also add new live rock too it also..
The only time you run into problems is when the amount of "dead/decaying" matter on that rock will create more ammonia than your current bacterial population can process quickly.. That can cause a mini-cycle or better stated it could allow ammonia levels to increase and not be safely processed quickly into its lesser toxic forms..
Not sure why you came to think its a bad idea.. Its not at all..
After a tank has cycled you can also add new live rock too it also..
The only time you run into problems is when the amount of "dead/decaying" matter on that rock will create more ammonia than your current bacterial population can process quickly.. That can cause a mini-cycle or better stated it could allow ammonia levels to increase and not be safely processed quickly into its lesser toxic forms..
billdogg
Well-known member
Why is it a bad idea?
If it is otherwise clean dry rock, swap it out! If there is any worries about the new rock leeching PO4, put it in a bucket of ro/di water for a week or so and then test that water to see if there is a problem. Personally, I keep a pile of rocks in a corner of the backyard that I will pick from when I need something "new". I have yet to have a problem doing it that way in the nearly 30 years I've been keeping marine creatures.
If it is otherwise clean dry rock, swap it out! If there is any worries about the new rock leeching PO4, put it in a bucket of ro/di water for a week or so and then test that water to see if there is a problem. Personally, I keep a pile of rocks in a corner of the backyard that I will pick from when I need something "new". I have yet to have a problem doing it that way in the nearly 30 years I've been keeping marine creatures.
Good to know...
The reading I did said that it can really screw your tank up as far as algae blooms, cyano, PO4. My tank runs perfectly without any changes in any parameters for a year and I'd rather not screw that up.
But as you guys said, I suppose if I do slow swap outs and not large amounts, I may be okay. I think I'll try the RODI bucket idea and "test" the waters a bit then go from there. Thanks!
The reading I did said that it can really screw your tank up as far as algae blooms, cyano, PO4. My tank runs perfectly without any changes in any parameters for a year and I'd rather not screw that up.
But as you guys said, I suppose if I do slow swap outs and not large amounts, I may be okay. I think I'll try the RODI bucket idea and "test" the waters a bit then go from there. Thanks!
lapin
Member
If you really wanted to be extra careful. Mix up some saltwater. Put it in a container with your new rock. Take a small piece of rock from your current tank and put it with the new. Add a few flakes, pellets or what ever you feed. Wait a few weeks and you will have live rock. You still want to test for PO4. This should eliminate most new rock issues.
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