I will be setting up a new 200G tank in the next few weeks. I will be using most of the rock from my current 100G set up. I am still not decided on whether to go with the fake LR or the real stuff. I know you don't get critters with the fake one so that's an advantage. Are there any other advantages? Also, in terms of looks does it make a difference?
Real or fake live rock?
- Thread starter bucfan
- Start date
joshky
Acros & Wrasses
dry rock I'm sure, like marco rock.
mean the artificial stuff
not sure what it's made of, looks like the reals tuff but not as porous, my LFS sells it and it's a bit more expensive than the real stuff
If it is not as porous then that is the other disadvantage, that it will not be able to harbour as much bacteria on surfaces, so may not be as good as live rock as a biological filter medium. Also if you are not sure what it is made of, you won't be sure what may leach into the tank. Could be something harmful. I'm sure if they are selling it they know it's fine, but always good to doublecheck the composition with them.
Indymann99
New member
I would use natural "Dry Rock" (as you have existing LR). I would soak the NEW dry rock for a couple of weeks and check the water for Phosphate leaching. If all good you can add to your existing tank without fear of cycle as there is no dying material on dry rock.
"fake rock" usually made of cement or pond foam covered in sand (to me) doesn't have the porous surface area and deep channels that make good LR.
my 0.02.
"fake rock" usually made of cement or pond foam covered in sand (to me) doesn't have the porous surface area and deep channels that make good LR.
my 0.02.
Is there a difference between "dry rock" and the artificial stuff?
There is a difference. Dry rock is just rock that may have very well been in the ocean at one time but has just sat out and is now dry. Artificial rock is man-made and is what I used and I love it.
I ordered it from reefrocks.net. All dry rock will become live once it is in water long enough and bacteria has time to populate.
d2mini
Premium Member
Get either authentic dry rock, or authentic live rock from a trusted source like Tampa Bay Saltwater.
You're in Florida and TBS is one of a few good places to get the good stuff.
Don't put that fake "live" rock in your tank. The stuff I've seen looks weird, IMHO and its too expensive.
It's not going to have the same porosity as actual rock so it won't give you the same biological filtration.
You're in Florida and TBS is one of a few good places to get the good stuff.
Don't put that fake "live" rock in your tank. The stuff I've seen looks weird, IMHO and its too expensive.
It's not going to have the same porosity as actual rock so it won't give you the same biological filtration.
tkeracer619
New member
Tampa Bay Saltwater
Great info thanks. If I get the dry rock do I have to put it in a tub and circulate for a few days? I guess I can seed it with bacteria. Can I do this in my garage? Also will it need light?
d2mini
Premium Member
If it was me, I'd get their live rock.
But I know some people don't want to deal with pests or the added expense.
You already have some live rock, correct?
So that live rock will seed your dry rock in the tank. No need to seed it externally.
You could also get some of each from TBS if you are just looking to save some cash.
I've never used dry rock so I don't know what curing (if any) is needed from various sources. If you get dry from TBS, i'd email Richard and see what he suggests.
tkeracer619
New member
It won't need light but I would put it in a tub, cycle it, and confirm there are no excess phosphates before adding it to your reef. If in the off chance you do find phosphate you will be able to deal with it easily.
The stuff from your 100g reef will be plenty to run the tank until the rock cycles. Toss some bacteria and a small piece of shrimp in it and it won't take long.
The stuff from your 100g reef will be plenty to run the tank until the rock cycles. Toss some bacteria and a small piece of shrimp in it and it won't take long.
How long do I cycle it till I know there's no more phosphates?
tkeracer619
New member
Within a week you should know if there is a phosphate or cycling. The longer it goes the better.
Seeding it with bacteria is a good idea. Also this is where knowing if the dry rock is cured or uncured is important. Cured means that there isn't much organic matter around, so to really grow bacteria during the cycle you'd need to introduce organics some way.
Might want to do it when using uncured dry rock anyways.
And yes, you can do it in your garage. You just need saltwater + pump + preferably a heater. Light is definitely not necessary. A light will just help you grow algae, which you aren't looking to do.
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