Keeping live rock.....well live.

[HouseDJSTL]

So I've been out of the hobby for 6 yrs or so and I'm starting back up. I bought some LR from a fellow reefer who is downsizing. It is great rock, Fiji w/ lots of coraline. My question is, How do i keep the coraline from dying off? I've go about 50lbs in a rubbermaid tub with a heater and two powerheads. I also have a 14k MH hanging over it. Will this be enough to keep it looking good until I get my tank up and running??

Thank You.

 

[scubasamdo]

That should probably work

 

[rgulrich]

When I set up my 180 a number of years ago, I brought in fresh (uncured) Tongan live rock, and basically treated like it was another "live critter" - full filtration, including a protein skimmer and carbon. Seemed to work for me, as the Psammacora chip that was left on one of the pieces has grown quite nicely with the years, as well as a number zoas and other assorted wildlife.

 

[LouisianaReefer]

Too high lighting can be bad for coralline. I have toasted some with 3 watt LEDs.

 

[HouseDJSTL]

It's only 175w. It should be fine.

 

[leveldrummer]

you should be just fine. although usually exposure to air is enough to kill it off pretty well. but keep up with your routine and it will spring right back.

 

[Bgoody]

that should probably work

+1

 

[Reefin' Dude]

make sure to siphon the detritus every week. if the LR allowed to reabsorb the phosphates from the detritus the coralline will not do as well.

keep the tub as detritus free as you can.

G~

 

[BrownParticles]

run a powerhead and skimmer if you can.