Trying this again

[ninjamunky]

So about two years ago I bought everything (I thought) to get a sw aquarium going. 75 gal bow front tank, a bunch of LR, sand, salt, light, etc.

I had the tank set up for about two months. Everything was looking pretty good. Had some cool things growing on the LR. Never got any fish or other creatures. Before I did I decided that I wanted the tank in another part of the room so I drained it completely. Had to disassemble the stand to fit a 20 gal high tank for a refugium. Other projects got in the way and the tank got put to the side with the intention of getting it going again someday.

So, I ended up cleaning all of the (now dead) LR, cleaning the sand, the tank and getting it all set up again. In some ways I'm off to a better start this time. I originally filled the tank with tap water, but now I've got a RO/DI and used that water to fill the tank this time. However I'm a bit bummed about all the $$$ that was wasted on LR but it is what it is.

I've got the tank going again, and it appears to be cycling, about 1 ppm ammonia and a bunch of nitrite. The thing I'm wondering is if I absolutely have to introduce some LR to the tank? I've seen some people saying that starting with dead rock can be better, because no unwanted life forms will be introduced to the tank.

Most everything I've read though suggests that LR is the way to go and that rock won't just become live by itself (obviously). So, do I need to get some LR, or is there another way to go about this???

 

[Reef noob_]

So about two years ago I bought everything (I thought) to get a sw aquarium going. 75 gal bow front tank, a bunch of LR, sand, salt, light, etc.



I had the tank set up for about two months. Everything was looking pretty good. Had some cool things growing on the LR. Never got any fish or other creatures. Before I did I decided that I wanted the tank in another part of the room so I drained it completely. Had to disassemble the stand to fit a 20 gal high tank for a refugium. Other projects got in the way and the tank got put to the side with the intention of getting it going again someday.



So, I ended up cleaning all of the (now dead) LR, cleaning the sand, the tank and getting it all set up again. In some ways I'm off to a better start this time. I originally filled the tank with tap water, but now I've got a RO/DI and used that water to fill the tank this time. However I'm a bit bummed about all the $$$ that was wasted on LR but it is what it is.



I've got the tank going again, and it appears to be cycling, about 1 ppm ammonia and a bunch of nitrite. The thing I'm wondering is if I absolutely have to introduce some LR to the tank? I've seen some people saying that starting with dead rock can be better, because no unwanted life forms will be introduced to the tank.



Most everything I've read though suggests that LR is the way to go and that rock won't just become live by itself (obviously). So, do I need to get some LR, or is there another way to go about this???

If you want "œlive" rock then you'll need to add a piece or two of real LR to seed your dry rock but it's not necessary. You'll need to get bacteria into the tank somehow though. You can either use one of those bacteria in a bottle products or again, liverock.

If you decide not to use liverock you'll miss out on all those smaller creatures that, In my opinion, really make the whole system more interesting. Liverock will also introduce coraline if you want that.

In the end it's a personal choice and either way works.


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[ninjamunky]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I just didn't want to spend anymore money on LR. I already have more rock than I need.

 

[mcgyvr]

No you absolutely do not need to put any live rock into the tank nor do you need any bacteria in a bottle products..

The fact that you have nitrites already proves you have bacteria present in the tank that is processing the ammonia into its lesser toxic forms..

The tank is currently cycling as it should.. The only thing you need to do is top off with freshwater to account for evaporation. Note that I said freshwater and not saltwater.. the salt does not evaporate so you top off with fresh ro/di water.

One your ammonia and nitrites go to zero the tank is cycled.
You then do water changes to drop nitrates to acceptable levels (10ppm is a good start or less)
Then you can start SLOWLY adding creatures to the tank..
Typically if you have the lights on you will start to go into the "ugly stages" as we call them in a bit. That includes diatoms, green hair/film algae and even some cyano.
All will pass with time provided you keep up with normal tank maintenance (20% water change every 2 weeks is a good start) and keep your nitrates/phosphates low.

Typically one would start with a CUC (clean up crew) which is composed of various snails,etc.. (crabs if you want) that will consume and "clean up" the results of the ugly stages..
You can add fish too but its best to wait on corals until the ugly stages pass and you have gotten used to maintaining stable water parameters..

 

[ninjamunky]

Thanks mcgyvr, I think for now I'll just let the tank do it's thing and see where I'm at in a few weeks. CUC was my plan for the first addition when things are looking good.

 

[jlmawp]

If you want "œlive" rock then you'll need to add a piece or two of real LR to seed your dry rock but it's not necessary. You'll need to get bacteria into the tank somehow though. You can either use one of those bacteria in a bottle products or again, liverock.

If you decide not to use liverock you'll miss out on all those smaller creatures that, In my opinion, really make the whole system more interesting. Liverock will also introduce coraline if you want that.

In the end it's a personal choice and either way works.


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I think you are confusing live rock and mature/seeded rock.

The bacteria and the bacteria alone are what make the rock "live rock". It processes the toxins into safer forms of nitrogen, and will grow and flourish simply by adding a toxin, or more specifically, ammonia.

Matured rock will have critters on it, as long as it's been exposed to some sort of microfauna ecosystem for a decent amount of time. Most tanks these days are started with dead, dry rock and nothing else.

 

[ninjamunky]

Just an update, I haven't done anything to the aquarium other than to keep the water warm and my pumps running for water flow.

Ammonia levels are dropping, nitrites are dropping, and the nitrate level was about 30 ppm today. I'm starting to get some pink coming in on the rocks so I guess there was still some life left in the sand/rocks. Planning on doing a water change once the water gets heated up.

Was at the lfs today and was really tempted to buy a pair of clowns, since everything is 50% off, but I resisted the urge as I know the tank isn't ready yet.