Fiji Premium Live Rock

[slam308]

This rock is advertised as being cured. I know I have to cure it again when I get it, but for a shorter duration. I am wondering of any nasty hitchhiker's are also removed before the rock is shipped out?
This is my first sw tank and I'm hoping this is one problem I won't have to deal with.

 

[dfs/la2]

slam308,

Thank you for your post. Our Drs. Foster and Smith Premium Fiji Rock is kept under a spray of saltwater to help remove any dead materials and pests. It is then shipped with wet paper to keep the rock moist. Because it is not shipped fully submersed, the rock will have to be recurred in the home aquarium. Unfortunately, even with the pre-cured rock there may be hitchhikers that are not wanted. A high salinity dip may be performed before or after the curing process. The rock would be dipped in water with a salinity level of 1.035 to 1.041 for one minute; any Inverts should come out of the rock at this point.

Gwen S.
www.liveaquaria.com

 

[slam308]

Since I'm new to the saltwater thing, does this "high salinity dip" cover mantis shrimp, fire worms, and Aiptasia anemone? I'm still not sure what "inverts" covers. So far, these are the only bad hitchhikers I've read about.

 

[dfs/la2]

Slam308,

Thank you for your post. The high salinity dip would cause the Mantis Shrimp and Bristle Worms to scatter from the rock. The Aiptasia should also become unattached and fall into the bucket of saltwater.

Gwen S.
www.liveAquaria.com

 

[slam308]

Great, thanks. Don't want to start a new tank with strikes against me!

 

[rekn]

will this effect the desireable pods seeing as theyre....how can i put it...not as complex as a fish and might die due to fast environment change?

 

[dfs/la2]

Rekn,

Thank you for your post. During the curing after shipping, most of the beneficial nitrifying bacteria survive the curing process by hiding deep in the pores and crevices of the live rock. In addition, some of the corals and invertebrates will not die off completely and will begin to re-emerge in the new aquarium over time.

However, should you chose to submerse the new rock into a bucket filled with saltwater with a specific gravity of 1.035 to 1.040 for one minute, you may lose a portion of the beneficial organisms. At the same time, any invertebrates including mantis shrimp, bristle worms, and crabs, will quickly evacuate from the rock into the bucket of water. Bristle worms still attached to the rock can be removed with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. After removing the live rock from the bucket, you can then sort through any surviving invertebrates in the bucket that you will want to add to your system, and discard all of the unwanted pests.

In summary, you may lose some, but usually not all, of your beneficial organisms by giving your live rock a hypersalinity dip. We hope you find this information useful.

Nate M.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[rekn]

thanks for the answer nate. you all write very well, a little to well...:eek1:

 

[slam308]

One other question regarding the LR. How exactly is the LR packaged?

 

[dfs/la2]

slam308,

Thank you for your post. The Live Rock is surrounded with wet newspaper and placed into a plastic bag. From there the bags are placed in special insulated coolers to maintain a stable temperature during the transit, and warmers or ice packs are used to compensate for extreme temperatures depending on the season. The cooler is then placed in a corrugated cardboard box and shipped to your door.

Nate M.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[slam308]

Nate M.
Thank you for your post. lol.
How long can I wait before receiving the package, opening the package, and putting it in the tank? It's a brand new tank. Should I put the LR in first, or the DF&S Bahama Aragamax sand first?

 

[dfs/la2]

Slam308,

Thank you for your reply. We recommend opening the box and acclimating the live rock as soon as possible after receiving it. You may acclimate the live rock in your new tank or in a separate container if you prefer. Some aquarists prefer to place the rock first and put the sand around it, while others prefer to put the sand down first and the rock on top; this would be your personal preference.

We have also included a link to one of our articles on our PetEducation website that may prove helpful in your acclimation process.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1990&articleid=2833

Nate M.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[slam308]

Nate,
Thanks for the article. I found that on your website a while ago and printed it so I can refer to it when I get the LR.
I appreciate your time and patience.