base rock seeding

[pufferbob]

What types of rock can be used to seed to live? Could I use concrete cynder block? Do I need a porous rock or is smooth better? How long on avg does a base take to seed from live? What ratio of base/ live should I use?
I have a 29g that I know I will need about 30lbs of rock total....
Unless... Is the weight the important factor or is surface area more important?

Thank you!

 

[Blown 346]

It usually takes a couple of months to have base rock seeded. But you have to have enough actual Liverock to seed the base rock. Say you have 5 LBS of actual Liverock and you have 25lbs of the base rock. It will take forever for that stuff to become actually live. I would do about 15 lbs of liverock and spread it out along the base rock.
It doesnt matter if the rock is more porus or not.

 

[Teremei]

lots a questions. .

I prefer pourous (reeferrocks.com has the BEST lr)
Takes a few months, 6 months for REALLY seeding
half and half is good. You could even go MORE base rock if you want. The more LIVE rock the faster your base rock seeds, basically. Because it will have more LIFE to move to the base rock.
I prefer light rock that has lots of holes so more room for life. Think about it.

 

[pufferbob]

Ok.. How about stocking? I am re setting up my 29g, starting from scratch. I know about the cycling and all the goodies...
If I do 50/50 and begin my cycle, will I be able to stock befor the base is seeded? Will the lr hold up to the bioload? My stock will be a puffer... Maybe a janitor or two.

 

[Teremei]

the rock will already have a healthy colony of bacteria after a few weeks. And that's what's really imporant. All of the other stuff that takes longer we are refering to are just the coraline, featherdusters, pods, worms. . ect. .

 

[oyam123]

If the puffer does well in the 29, you will need a new tank soon.
29 is small for a puffer.
just get a nice pc. of LR from a friend and seed the tank.
PS puffer will eat your cleaners!

 

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

I have always ordered detrivore kits from www.inlandaquatics.com Great way to seed a new tank with pods and all kinds of helpful critters.


Amanda

 

[pufferbob]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6614279#post6614279 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oyam123
If the puffer does well in the 29, you will need a new tank soon.
29 is small for a puffer.
just get a nice pc. of LR from a friend and seed the tank.
PS puffer will eat your cleaners!

This information is speices specific... I know a valentini will have a full happy life in a 29. As far as janitors, there are a very few options availible to puffer keepers that reduce the manjanitor workload. 1 being one of the many sand sifting gobies.