Rock Rock and more Rock!!

[robs.mark]

Hey guys, just finished cycling my 55 with 50lb of LR. I wanna build up some of the rock work but i dont wanna start a cycle again or waste heaps of money by putting more LR in.

My question is if I was to go to my LFS and buy 20 lb of dead dry rock could I use it as a base rock without any implications on the tank? and am I correct in thinking that this rock when mixed with the live rock that I currently have in there would become LR with coraline algee, worms etc?? Many thanks, Mark

 

[WaterKeeper]

Sure base rock will work without a cycle but seeded rock take a long time to mature. If you can get the LR then just cure it in containers rather than the tank. The result is fully cured rock sans cycle.

 

[snorvich]

The problem is that low quality "base rock", while cheaper, may be high in undesirable embedded stuff like phosphates. In the long run, you will be happier if you don't do this.

 

[robs.mark]

ok so i have to drill a few pieces to cover my overflow, would it be ok to add say 5lb of dead rock for that reason (as im not happy drilling the LR) and say adding another 5-7lb of LR in one hit? would this effect my levels?..
I dont have any fish as of yet, just 4 snails and a peppermint shrimp..