adding dry rock

mallorieGgator · 09/29/2010, 08:57 PM

I've heard different things about adding dry rock to a tank that's already up and running. My tank is going through an additional cycle after having some die-off on my LR from treating for isopods. Is it ok to add in some dry rock now? I'm going to be setting up my refugium tomorrow after my biochem exam. I'll be trying to relax after the smack in the face this exam is going to offer...yeah I should be studying now...

lol! Also, what type of dry rock should I be adding and can I just put it into the tank or is there something I have to do to it first? Thanks!

Nexenn · 09/29/2010, 09:04 PM

I like to add dry rock from bulk reef supply, great quality and cheap. I've done it several times and always just added it straight into an established tank. I actually added another 8 pounds two days ago. Ive never had any problems nor has my tank gone through any measurable or observable additional cycles by doing this but you'll hear difference of opinion on it.

mallorieGgator · 09/29/2010, 09:09 PM

Thanks! I had someone tell me that adding it to an established tank would mess everything up. I didn't see how this was true. Just figured they may have got the wrong type of rock and had some phosphates leaching or something... i dunno.

Canadian Reefer · 09/29/2010, 09:24 PM

I would give it a quick rinse first then put it in. Its what I always do when adding dry rock.

wbdevers · 09/29/2010, 09:40 PM

I'm still cycling my tank, but I've got about 20 pounds of LR right now. Because of the expense I decided to add some dry "base" rock. I've bought about 15 pounds of it and have it under my LR and it works great. The great thing is I was able to pick several pieces that were flat and have made a couple of shelves with caves underneath. Can't wait for the coralline to take over and cover it all. BTW, I've got about 35 pounds more of LR coming Friday.

Like Canadian Reefer said, just rinse it. I rinsed my very well because you want to get all of the rock dust and store dust off of it. No need to contaminate you tank.

W

kduen · 09/29/2010, 10:00 PM

+1 rinse and add.

Lynnmw1208 · 09/29/2010, 10:07 PM

I would rinse it as well just to get dust and debris off. how did the isopod killing turn out? did ya get em all?

aleonn · 09/30/2010, 10:43 AM

Got some BRS dry rock a few weeks ago. Did a good rinsing in the driveway, and let it air dry for a day or two. Afterwards I put 8 lbs in my established tank and it's been good ever since

patmack · 09/30/2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian Reefer

I would give it a quick rinse first then put it in. Its what I always do when adding dry rock.

+1 Do small amounts at a time

kduen · 09/30/2010, 11:35 AM

If and this a big if the rock is pure dry rock like marco rock that has no signs of anything whatsoever on it than IMO there is no reason to add a little at a time.

RcToners · 09/30/2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kduen

If and this a big if the rock is pure dry rock like marco rock that has no signs of anything whatsoever on it than IMO there is no reason to add a little at a time.

I would agree.

Also if your tank is still cycling there is no reason to add a little at a time anyway.

Palting · 09/30/2010, 11:50 AM

Yup, just put all the dry rock in after rinsing. That way, you can see it you like the aquascpae results right away.

Make sure you do not bury your current live rock, and that water flow and light is maintained to your live rock. Otherwise, you may get some die off. If indeed you are still cycling, then die off is no biggie.

kduen · 09/30/2010, 11:56 AM

And I would place the dry rock under the live rock. Its what I did and you cant even tell the difference after about two months.

A sea K · 09/30/2010, 02:10 PM

Granted I've been absent for the better part of 2 years but as I remember a lot of people were have cycling issues after adding "dry" rock to their existing system. Turns out there was a lot of dry organics held in the rock and once put in the tank and hydrated was causing issues as it started to breakdown. Not saying this will happen just saying you should be aware, you've had enough trouble as it is. On that subject, I assume your system is free of inhabitants after the isopod incident? Then just add your rock as you please and keep a watch for ammomnia or nitrate before you start re-stocking.

mallorieGgator · 09/30/2010, 03:05 PM

Thanks everyone! I have some inhabitants left but not many. Lost an emerald crab last night but I'm assuming it's now because of the cycle. I've done WCs to get the meds out of the tank. The ammonia is now around .50 so it's definately cycling again. I added some microbacter to try and reduce the ammonia levels a bit for what inhabitants are left. I also did a WC last night to finish getting my salt levels down to normal. So we're now between 1.025 and 1.026 which I'm happy with.

I'll be adding the rock slowly any way since we are low on funds. I hate college. lol.

09/29/2010, 08:57 PM	#1
mallorieGgator Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 1,134	adding dry rock I've heard different things about adding dry rock to a tank that's already up and running. My tank is going through an additional cycle after having some die-off on my LR from treating for isopods. Is it ok to add in some dry rock now? I'm going to be setting up my refugium tomorrow after my biochem exam. I'll be trying to relax after the smack in the face this exam is going to offer...yeah I should be studying now... lol! Also, what type of dry rock should I be adding and can I just put it into the tank or is there something I have to do to it first? Thanks!

09/29/2010, 09:24 PM	#4
Canadian Reefer Reefer Madness Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 261	I would give it a quick rinse first then put it in. Its what I always do when adding dry rock. __________________ Reefing can't be an addiction, I don't smoke it or drink it. I just need it to be happy!

09/30/2010, 11:50 AM	#12
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	Yup, just put all the dry rock in after rinsing. That way, you can see it you like the aquascpae results right away. Make sure you do not bury your current live rock, and that water flow and light is maintained to your live rock. Otherwise, you may get some die off. If indeed you are still cycling, then die off is no biggie. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

09/30/2010, 02:10 PM	#14
A sea K Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Branford Fl Posts: 3,024	Granted I've been absent for the better part of 2 years but as I remember a lot of people were have cycling issues after adding "dry" rock to their existing system. Turns out there was a lot of dry organics held in the rock and once put in the tank and hydrated was causing issues as it started to breakdown. Not saying this will happen just saying you should be aware, you've had enough trouble as it is. On that subject, I assume your system is free of inhabitants after the isopod incident? Then just add your rock as you please and keep a watch for ammomnia or nitrate before you start re-stocking. __________________ I am not a pro so excuse me if I'm wrong. Current Tank Info: 30gal Deep Blue rimless 9/10/2014, 80gal Deep Blue rimless 40gal sump/refugium 9/11/16 LPS reef, 2 x Kessil A160 with a single Maxspect Razor, RO Prime 150INT skimmer, Sicce 3 return pump, Vortech MP40 and MP10

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09/29/2010, 09:04 PM	#2
Nexenn Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 575	I like to add dry rock from bulk reef supply, great quality and cheap. I've done it several times and always just added it straight into an established tank. I actually added another 8 pounds two days ago. Ive never had any problems nor has my tank gone through any measurable or observable additional cycles by doing this but you'll hear difference of opinion on it.

09/29/2010, 09:09 PM	#3
mallorieGgator Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 1,134	Thanks! I had someone tell me that adding it to an established tank would mess everything up. I didn't see how this was true. Just figured they may have got the wrong type of rock and had some phosphates leaching or something... i dunno.

09/29/2010, 09:40 PM	#5
wbdevers Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Gulf Coast Posts: 754	I'm still cycling my tank, but I've got about 20 pounds of LR right now. Because of the expense I decided to add some dry "base" rock. I've bought about 15 pounds of it and have it under my LR and it works great. The great thing is I was able to pick several pieces that were flat and have made a couple of shelves with caves underneath. Can't wait for the coralline to take over and cover it all. BTW, I've got about 35 pounds more of LR coming Friday. Like Canadian Reefer said, just rinse it. I rinsed my very well because you want to get all of the rock dust and store dust off of it. No need to contaminate you tank. W

09/29/2010, 10:00 PM	#6
kduen Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Panama City, FL Posts: 684	+1 rinse and add.

09/29/2010, 10:07 PM	#7
Lynnmw1208 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 3,306	I would rinse it as well just to get dust and debris off. how did the isopod killing turn out? did ya get em all?

09/30/2010, 10:43 AM	#8
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Got some BRS dry rock a few weeks ago. Did a good rinsing in the driveway, and let it air dry for a day or two. Afterwards I put 8 lbs in my established tank and it's been good ever since

09/30/2010, 11:35 AM	#10
kduen Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Panama City, FL Posts: 684	If and this a big if the rock is pure dry rock like marco rock that has no signs of anything whatsoever on it than IMO there is no reason to add a little at a time.

09/30/2010, 11:56 AM	#13
kduen Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Panama City, FL Posts: 684	And I would place the dry rock under the live rock. Its what I did and you cant even tell the difference after about two months.

09/30/2010, 03:05 PM	#15
mallorieGgator Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 1,134	Thanks everyone! I have some inhabitants left but not many. Lost an emerald crab last night but I'm assuming it's now because of the cycle. I've done WCs to get the meds out of the tank. The ammonia is now around .50 so it's definately cycling again. I added some microbacter to try and reduce the ammonia levels a bit for what inhabitants are left. I also did a WC last night to finish getting my salt levels down to normal. So we're now between 1.025 and 1.026 which I'm happy with. I'll be adding the rock slowly any way since we are low on funds. I hate college. lol.