live rock/sand question

[seabeedoc12]

Hello all, I'm new to the hobby and to this site, though I've been gathering some tips already. I am about to setup a 57 gal tank w/ a sump being made by the 'fish lady's' husband, a really nice guy btw. Also have a T5 lighting system on the way.

Anyway, I was wanting to get some rocks and sand prepared, but have been warned about the hitchikers such as mantis 'hammer' shrimp, etc. Do you know which curing technique is best to get rid of these types, but keep some of the good stuff on the rocks and sand? Is it really better to just buy the stuff already cured?

Thanks, I'm sure I'll have more to come.
Kevin

 

[bethnjeremy]

the only way to do it is going to bake the rocks. Really scrub them off and then bake. I have an sps reef tank and I did this to the rock I added about 5 months ago. I learned just using boiling water and scrubbing them couldn't get rid of everything. Baking it made sure that I got rid of the aiptasias on the rock. Now if you want to get sand from the ocean you need to go out way out during low tide. If you get sand from up on the beach you need to clean that as well as it will be contaminated with everything washed on shore. On kinser during low tide I can walk out about a mile and then get sand. I usually go out there every six months to get more sand to reseed my tanks copepod population. What kind of tank are you planning on running? Are you going to run a reef LPS or SPS, or just a FOWLR tank? Don't worry about the good bacteria on the rocks they will come back when you cycle your tank for six weeks. If you got the rock already and no tank just get a container tight enough with some powerful powerheads or pumps and add a protein skimmer and they should be ready in about 6 weeks or so. Don't waste your money buying rock here you will get so ripped off. You can make your own rock if you want as well. Just look around on the site there has been some that had awesome success with it. What kind of t-5 lighting do you have coming? I run MH/PC/T-5 combo right now and I am having awesome results with that and the supplements I use. Well I hope my opinion helps you, it is what I have experienced from setting up my tanks. If you decide to speed up the cycling process make sure you read up on everything you plan on doing and just be patient!

 

[Patrick12]

Do you work at the hospital? I'd be glad to meet up with you and help you out. There is so much to it around here that I could explain it in person better......or give me a call

08034264150

Patrick