Prep rock while I build the tank?

[Jmerriott]

After a 6 month hiatus I am starting to put things together for a new tank! I have some time before the tank arrives but I wanted to get some rock ready in the meantime. So far I have put about 50 lbs of real reef rock into a 40 gallon breeder with fresh saltwater, a power head and a heater in the garage. I have added micro bacter 7 and some frozen brine shrimp. My question is..... Am I doing the correct thing? My goal is to get these rocks ready for the display with bacteria. Thanks for your help.

 

[bellis31]

Yes, I did the same thing and my rock was ready to go when I made the move to my new tank...

 

[Jmerriott]

Thanks. Did you do any water changes along the way or just let it go? Did you use that water in your display?

 

[79chopperdr]

Sounds good Jim, do some water changes though. I cycled some rubble the same way. I used the water from my running tank for the water changes though

 

[BodiBuilt]

Also whenever possible I like to add a couple handfuls of rubble or small pieces of nicely colored L.R. from a well established system... that will help to jump start the new rock with beneficial bacteria and coralline algae and speed up the process :thumbsup:

 

[bellis31]

I did do water changes and yes I did use water from my display!

 

[Jmerriott]

Thanks everyone. I'll have to try to find someone with some rubble to add in. What about the eventual transition from the seeding tank to the display. Should I take the water the rock is in now and add it to the display or toss it and go with all new water?

 

[greenhead]

Don't use the water. But the rock should be fine. I have some seeded rubble in my holding tub you can have Jim. A bunch of other stuff also. You want your RODI back?