Dry Rock

[pdiehm]

I can't justify the total cost of live rock, not to mention I really am trying to avoid the unwanted critters, so I am looking into dry rock...but I have questions.

i've read dry rock leaches phosphates. Is that accurate? if it does, curing dry rock is as simple as heating, water movement, darkness...and patience. changing water once or twice a week until phosphates read 0?

 

[thegrun]

Some dry rock does contain phosphates, some does not. If you are concerned soak the rock in RO/DI water and then after a week test for phosphates. If your phosphates are elevated I would start to make 100% water changes at least 5 days apart until the phosphates are below 0.02

 

[hockusspockuss]

some dry rock does contain phosphates, some does not. If you are concerned soak the rock in ro/di water and then after a week test for phosphates. If your phosphates are elevated i would start to make 100% water changes at least 5 days apart until the phosphates are below 0.02

+1

 

[pdiehm]

Will do. Appreciate the answers. I am planning on getting 10-15 lbs of live rock to seed as well

 

[tmz]

If the rock is is leaching phosphate, ie phosphate free water shows elevated PO4 after a few days,treating or changing the water to keep it PO4 free will accelerate the equlibriation. If treating the dry rock out of tank , using a phosphate remover like lanthanum chloride is very effective at keeping the water at low PO4 levels. It's easier and less expensive than water changes .GFO would also work but is more costly.

 

[discoreefer]

Where are you getting the dry rock from? I'm about to setup a tank too and was thinking about this option.

 

[thegrun]

I have had good luck with Marco Rock being phosphate free and the rock looks great.