Temporary Live Rock Storage

[QuiQuog]

I'm investigating a used tank on Craigslist, and wondering how to go about transporting it. It's basically 90 gallons with a sump and live rock, maybe a few fish. I think I would like to paint the back and maybe drill it so I don't need to use an overflow box. Should I try to retain some of the water for keeping the live rock? How do I keep the live rock alive while I prep the tank? Should I worry about whether it's been filled with tap water? I've read in other threads that it can retain stuff that never leaves the tank. In light of this, should I let the rock die and replace the substrate and start from scratch? Am I over thinking it?

[jayball]

Keep the rock live in saltwater with circulation. A small brute trashcan should work with 1 or 2 powerheads.

[gone fishin]

If you want to preserve the rock then all you need to do is keep it submerged in some sort of tote. Depending on your location you may want to put a heater in the tote and you would want some sort of power head for circulation. If corals are on the rock then depending on what type will dictate other needs.

If your worried about pests or parasites then you may want to consider other options.

I am a bit confused about the tap water. Do you mean the previous owner used tap. Since your breaking the tank down to drill I would not be concerned about this with the tank. If the tank looks clean and no or little algae on the rock I would not be concerned about the rock either.

Good luck just my 2 cents.

[QuiQuog]

Update: It turns out that the current owner took the tank down 2 days ago. Live rock is dead now. What do I do with it? Do I need to do anything special with it now, or just treat it as dead rock? I guess that makes transport a bit simpler, looking on the bright side.

[gone fishin]

Well that does simplify things a bit. Just treat it as dead rock. I would personally hose of the rock, give it a good scrub, hose it off again and put it in the tank to cycle when your ready to fire the tank back up.

Some folks may suggest bleach, vinegar, muriatic acid, those options are up to you.

[d2mini]

If it's dead it's now going to have to be cured before you can use it.
Personally, I wouldn't trust it. You don't know what could be locked up in the rock that will rear it's ugly head down the road.
Been there, done that, never again.

[QuiQuog]

I was thinking the same thing. I'll probably get new substrate, but I don't relish the idea of replacing the rock. I think I'll look at some threads that talk about sterilizing them with bleach or something. Since I'll be starting from dry, I think I'll just clean it all with bleach to help eliminate potential problems. I'll need to do some research on that as well.

Dead rock has to be cured?

[Reef Frog]

Just bleach the Rock and then re-cure it. This way you're sure that it doesn't have pests & parasites - younger a fresh start. Probably 4 weeks. During that time you can test the tank, figure out the plumbing, QT a fish, learn to test water, get equipment working etc.

If the rank was ultra skanky, filled with algae, the Rock could be conceivably be saturated with phosphates. Especially if it's a long term fish only tank. In that case you should look into a lanthium chloride treatment and you'll be off to W perfect fresh start!

[lacybiker2000]

Oh that is too bad. Most times there are cool things on the rocks that dry rock does not offer. I've also had rock shipped to me that still had a little water in the bottom but overall was not covered. Although I put it in the QT for a little while there was nothing harmful to it. No levels spiked.

[heathlindner25]

In this situation, I would use acid. Clean it and then some.

[UTCReefer]

You could cook the rocks too in a trashcan for a few months.