Live Rock

[acer]

OK- had to kill ( bleach in RO/DI water in tub with pumps - 1 week ) some rock due to algae problems in preparation to setting up 180 in May. How can I make this "live" again- how long and what is the procedure? I already dumped the bleach water, rewashed the tub and rock with RO/DI water, and am running a skimmer and a pump circulating salt water in the tub now. Should I just take water from my current setup when I do a water change and dump that water in the tub. Or add a rock or two from the current sump. Or both? How long will it take for the rock to become "live" again. Trying to have the 180 pretty much set up and running with minimal cycle before moving livestock from current setup.

 

[AHDOnline]

if you used bleach either air the rock out for a few days, or use some dechlor in the water to make sure its all gone.

Then grab some sand / other rock / cheato from people around the area and let it go. Its hit or miss on "live" time frame and your definition of "live".

Just using your old water will not really do much but fill it with old water

 

[ATinPGH]

I've had 50 lbs of BRS Reef Saver Rock in a 40 gallon tank with about 30 pounds of live rock for about 3 months. The Reef Saver rock is about 30% covered in coraline algae. The tank is heated, lighted and has good circulation.

 

[cloakerpoked]

I used BRS Reef Saver Rock also. it is totally purple, you'd never know it was ever dry rock, in just about 5 months time. Here is the caveat...I put my old LR in the sump, and now I'm dealing with dang aiptasia again. I really don't care, as they've never been more than a slight annoyance to me to look at, but they are there. What I was concerned with was hair algae. I haven't had any yet in my 5 months, but a lot of that I believe was due to running the tank dark for 5 weeks. I also found that my powerheads (which used to be hair algae magnets) are covered instead by coraline after keeping them in the dark tank for the same time frame. I'd really suggest (if you can) running the tank dark for an extended period of time to allow for the buildup of beneficial bacteria, etc. before running the lights and introducing fish. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[acer]

Well have no time for that as the 90 tank is sold. Need to build the stand/canopy for the 180 ASAP. I have 3 weeks.

 

[acer]

forgot to mention the tub is outside- is temp regulation necessary?

 

[cloakerpoked]

You don't want it freezing for sure...If it were lows in the 50's I wouldn't worry as much. Is there any way you can use a temporary system like what Paul had/has in his basement? It just seems like 3 weeks is an awfully short period of time.

 

[AHDOnline]

The more you force, and faster you go the more risk of disaster later..

Either way odds are you will have a cycle in the tank, and as we all know patience is the key. So hurry up and slow down.

 

[AHDOnline]

Do yo have room for a rubbermaid, or even brute trash can somewhere inside?

Who knows when its going to snow again in PA

 

[Raceimage]

I had caulerpa and algae problems until I invested in a halloween urchin. It is awesome - eats every type of algae and the only drawback is that it knocks over small frags. If your algae returns this would be a more enjoyable option than tearing the tank apart.

 

[Masterderrull]

Hey Ted, Hope the live rock situation goes well for you. I mixed in some dead rock right into my display tank about 4-5 months ago. The rocks are covered in purple coraline, but there not really "live" in my book yet. I have been thinking of ways to expidite there growth, but I think I just may have to let some more time pass. I could get one live rock from this guy, and one from that guy; but I think all that will do is add more veriety not shorten the cicle. I think you got the right idea with the water, live rock, and some macros, plus if it's outside it's getting plenty of sun. Just watch for unwanted critters getting into it, that's for sure. Hope your rock turns out great for you!!

 

[cloakerpoked]

I think putting your frags in a temporary system with a largish skimmer would be your best option. That takes away the rush time frame to get your new system set up.

 

[acer]

YES -thanks to all for the input. The tub outside has bird netting around it. Also working on getting up the new office tank- Glass custom that fits on the current stand. Will keep the sump/cheato and skimmer in place at work= much less cycle situation. Seems I will be waiting on both systems at the same time to cycle completely and hope nothing goes wrong. I may have to set up a temporary system- could use my sons if he would get his act together and get it up ( mom says no until grades are better) - hmmm.... need more time , need more time, etc.

 

[AHDOnline]

Anytime! You know we are all good at telling you what you are doing wrong!