Used live rock any good?

[Capsle]

Hey reefers,

I'm in the setup and purchase process of most of my stuff and found a guy selling his live rock for 2$ a pound (hes getting rid of his tank).

Is it okay to buy live rock used? Anything i should be concerned about of need to check out?

 

[Nanobros]

If you do end up buying that live rock I would scrub it down real good and make sure no pests are in or on the rocks. Also check out Reefcleaners.org they have some really nice dry rock.

 

[MiataRacer]

While the live rock may be established with beneficial bacteria, it may also be carrying nasty diseases. I've read that ich can be brought into a tank from used live rock. I personally wouldn't mess with it, unless you know and trust the seller. Like Nanobros said, you could try to scrub it down, but then if you're really cleaning it thoroughly enough, it may essentially turn into dry rock.

 

[thomas.torode]

You can give this a try: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1914426&highlight=beyond

 

[Capsle]

Thanks for the info. The only reason I'm looking in to it is because it's very difficult to find live rock here where I am. What I am able to find will run me about 8$ per pound which I find a little steep.


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[Tisbe]

It will be fine. Yes, it probably has some built up nutrients since most people get out of the hobby after they have problems. Look into "rock cooking", the rocks are not heated but left to have natural process clean the rock over time. If you do not cook the rock, which is ok, then realize you may need to be on top of nutrient export for the first couple months if excess nutrients are present.

 

[ziggy2]

If you set your tank up and use the rock without other inhabitants to let it cycle, I don't see a problem with it. It would help if you knew the person you are getting the rock from. My tank was started with used rock, but it came from a good, well established tank of a friend. I know how the tank has been cared for.

 

[mcgyvr]

most would simply..
throw rocks into bucket with powerhead.. monitor water parameters (looking for high nitrates/phosphates and of course ammonia/nitrites if its been out of the water for more than a few hours max).
Then react to those results with a series of 100% water changes and then use once levels are acceptable..

But if you are just starting a tank and you can trust that his rocks/tank isn't a mess then throw them in and begin the cycling process..