Newbie question on live rock/new tank

Danger Dave · 04/29/2009, 07:26 PM

Hi guys, I'm in the middle of setting up my biocube 14, and I'm a little confused on what to do with live rock. Right now, the tank is running with 1 1/2" LS, nothing else. Can I add all my live rock now?(16-18 lbs)? My LFS which has a very good reputation said the rock is already cured at the store, and I can put it right in my tank. The only reason I ask is because my good friend who has a ton of experience said all the live rock at once might overload the biological filter and poison the system. Is this true?

Thanks for the help,
Dave

Agu · 04/29/2009, 07:37 PM

Poison the system is a bit extreme.

If there's die off of the rock you may have a cycle where ammonia, nitrite and nitrate peak, but that's normal. If it's cured add the rock and use test kits for ammonia to determine if your tank is cycling.

MartinEric · 04/29/2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Agu
Poison the system is a bit extreme.

If there's die off of the rock you may have a cycle where ammonia, nitrite and nitrate peak, but that's normal. If it's cured add the rock and use test kits for ammonia to determine if your tank is cycling.

I agree if there is nothing else in the tank but LS go for it, but test for cycle.

bradbmbj · 04/29/2009, 08:13 PM

Definitely add it all now, let the tank go through its natural cycle, then start slowly adding livestock. The live rock itself is the bulk of your biological filtration.

Scuba_Steve · 04/29/2009, 08:41 PM

The only time you need to worry about adding rock to your system is when you are adding extra rock to an already established system. Add it all now. It wont hurt to add 20-21lbs though instead of 14-18... Or even 10 lbs of live, and another 10-12 dead base rock.

04/29/2009, 07:26 PM	#1
Danger Dave Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 2	Newbie question on live rock/new tank Hi guys, I'm in the middle of setting up my biocube 14, and I'm a little confused on what to do with live rock. Right now, the tank is running with 1 1/2" LS, nothing else. Can I add all my live rock now?(16-18 lbs)? My LFS which has a very good reputation said the rock is already cured at the store, and I can put it right in my tank. The only reason I ask is because my good friend who has a ton of experience said all the live rock at once might overload the biological filter and poison the system. Is this true? Thanks for the help, Dave

04/29/2009, 07:37 PM	#2
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	Poison the system is a bit extreme. If there's die off of the rock you may have a cycle where ammonia, nitrite and nitrate peak, but that's normal. If it's cured add the rock and use test kits for ammonia to determine if your tank is cycling. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

04/29/2009, 08:13 PM	#4
bradbmbj Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 554	Definitely add it all now, let the tank go through its natural cycle, then start slowly adding livestock. The live rock itself is the bulk of your biological filtration. __________________ New tank, $1200.00, New Skimmer, $400.00, New Lighting, $800.00, Not letting the wife find out... Priceless

04/29/2009, 08:41 PM	#5
Scuba_Steve Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pooler, Ga Posts: 1,342	The only time you need to worry about adding rock to your system is when you are adding extra rock to an already established system. Add it all now. It wont hurt to add 20-21lbs though instead of 14-18... Or even 10 lbs of live, and another 10-12 dead base rock. __________________ 40g DIY AIO. DT Size is 27"x18"x17" SCA-301 skimmer, DIY ATS 4"x4" 1 cube setup, Ocean Revive 120w LED, Quiet One 3000, Jager 150w TBS Rock