MarineGirl411
New member
All I wanted to know is if I should cure the rock in the tank without sand, then put the sand it later after it is cured. I am going for a DSB. I have a lot of different corals I'd like to keep.
Does anyone know where I can get good LR???
- Thread starter MarineGirl411
- Start date
Sorry, but that was a loaded question. 
You want a DSB and it sounds like you intend to cure in the tank, as opposed to separate tubs/cans... either way, tank or tubs, I would personally cure it alone until after the second or third cleaning cycle, keeping the "precious holy goop" sequestered in a separate location (5 gal pail or tub) with daily water changes on the goop, possibly 2-3x for the first couple of days as it really gets bad quick. Let your nose dictate when to change water.
Then when the rock settles down, remove it for one last cleaning, replace the rocks, add the sand, let it settle a bit, then add the goop, along with a large water change. Keep an eye one it, water change as needed.
That's one way to do it!
You want a DSB and it sounds like you intend to cure in the tank, as opposed to separate tubs/cans... either way, tank or tubs, I would personally cure it alone until after the second or third cleaning cycle, keeping the "precious holy goop" sequestered in a separate location (5 gal pail or tub) with daily water changes on the goop, possibly 2-3x for the first couple of days as it really gets bad quick. Let your nose dictate when to change water.
Then when the rock settles down, remove it for one last cleaning, replace the rocks, add the sand, let it settle a bit, then add the goop, along with a large water change. Keep an eye one it, water change as needed.
That's one way to do it!
MarineGirl411
New member
Well I was thinking of curing in the tank because there would be good flow and the skimmer would take out most of the goop. After it was cured, I'd add my dsb. If I am getting about 75 pounds of it, I don't think that it would work as well because I don't have enough powerheads to keep water flowing over the rock to keep it clean. What do you think? See I am planning on keeping a Mandarin and read on here where you need at least 75 pounds of live rock. I will also have a good sized refugium I would place some of the rock in as well. I am going to order pods and dose phyto every other day to keep the population up. Maybe I will be one of the lucky ones that gets one that will eat frozen food as well. But I am not counting on it. If I don't need powerheads in the buckets for curing the LR then I have plenty. I only have 1 free powerhead at this time and doesn't even work half the time I try and use it. What do you think would be the best bet? thank you.
MarineGirl411
New member
Oh yah,
How much LR would you guys suggest me getting for the 40 gallon reef to house the mandarin? I've done a lot of research on them I know the statistics, but I am very dedicated and will buy pods and keep them flourishing. ;-)
How much LR would you guys suggest me getting for the 40 gallon reef to house the mandarin? I've done a lot of research on them I know the statistics, but I am very dedicated and will buy pods and keep them flourishing. ;-)
John Hartford
New member
Liveaquaria.com
75#'s of Eva (or most other rock) in a 40 with a DSB isn't going to leave much room, unless you intend to just pick out your favorite pieces.
Having an extra power head or two on hand is always a good thing. You *would* want them in the buckets/tubs/cans for curing the rock. I think your best bet is to make sure to have the supplies ready for the rock before you buy it. Including enough tubs/buckets/cans, an extra power head/pump or two, at least one full spare large bucket of salt, and misc. other items you may want or need, such as new and sanitized - nylon bristle scrub brush or two, needle nose pliers/forceps, thick rubber gloves, water changing hose, etc.
You would also be well prepared to have the ability to do at least a 50%+ water change daily if needed. My skimmer has been pulling out about 1 gallon of wet skimmate an hour when I let it. That water needs replaced as well as the water for cleaning cycles, detritus removal, and water changes.
The 75#'s of rock for a Manderin thing is along the lines of saying 1-1.5lbs/ gallon for rock, xWatts/gallon, etc. Too many variables to say with much certainty. Ever hear of the Tang police? Granted, the more rock the more likely it will be able to provide enough natural food for your Manderin, the right amount of light capacity for what your keeping is important, and the more water for Tangs the better, but absolutes are few and far between in this hobby.
The better you take care of whatever rock you get the better it will be able to take care of itself and your livestock.
With the Manderins, making sure the tank is stable (under relitive control), mature (Many say at least a year old), and not too clean (what do the pods that Manderins eat need?) seems to be at least part of the key to their succesful longer term keeping. Finding ones that eat hand outs is also a plus.
Having an extra power head or two on hand is always a good thing. You *would* want them in the buckets/tubs/cans for curing the rock. I think your best bet is to make sure to have the supplies ready for the rock before you buy it. Including enough tubs/buckets/cans, an extra power head/pump or two, at least one full spare large bucket of salt, and misc. other items you may want or need, such as new and sanitized - nylon bristle scrub brush or two, needle nose pliers/forceps, thick rubber gloves, water changing hose, etc.
You would also be well prepared to have the ability to do at least a 50%+ water change daily if needed. My skimmer has been pulling out about 1 gallon of wet skimmate an hour when I let it. That water needs replaced as well as the water for cleaning cycles, detritus removal, and water changes.
The 75#'s of rock for a Manderin thing is along the lines of saying 1-1.5lbs/ gallon for rock, xWatts/gallon, etc. Too many variables to say with much certainty. Ever hear of the Tang police?
Granted, the more rock the more likely it will be able to provide enough natural food for your Manderin, the right amount of light capacity for what your keeping is important, and the more water for Tangs the better, but absolutes are few and far between in this hobby.The better you take care of whatever rock you get the better it will be able to take care of itself and your livestock.
With the Manderins, making sure the tank is stable (under relitive control), mature (Many say at least a year old), and not too clean (what do the pods that Manderins eat need?) seems to be at least part of the key to their succesful longer term keeping. Finding ones that eat hand outs is also a plus.
