Re seeding "dead" live rock

snakeh · 10/11/2009, 03:13 PM

Hi guys, I've been to look at a 6x2x2 tank that contains roughly 80kgs of live rock the problem is the tank has been emptied and the rock has been left to dry out for roughly a year. I've been advised that the rock can be re seeded by adding more un cured live rock, i just need to know how much rock will be suitable for this process to take place as qquickly as possible. There is a sump protein skimmer etc with the tank. There is a full set up. The tank was running perfect until a box fish died and wiped the whole tank, the couple selling the tank lost heart when this happened and couldnt afford to re stock it, so subsequently they ended up draining the tank and leaving the rock inside. The tank belongs to my aunty and she said i could have everything for £250 which providing i can get the rock back is really cheap, I just need to know whether it is possible because i can't afford to re stock the whole tank with live rock and that will determine wether i can buy it or not. As soon as i know how much live rock i need to re add, i will start filtering enough water with a RO filter. I'm a begginer at this and want to start from scatch so i can learn my trade before adding coral and fish etc amd just want to take my time. Thanks in advance
Matt

Playa-1 · 10/11/2009, 03:26 PM

If the rock has been outside then the condition of the rock may be questionable. If the rock is in good condition then the tank can be set-up and recycled without the addition of any new rock. If the rock has had exposure to pesticides and chemicals from the yard then you will need to replace it. It will likely take about 3 to 6 weeks for the tank to cycle regardless of whether you have to replace the rock or not.

Blown 346 · 10/11/2009, 05:32 PM

I agree. You dont have to get uncured rock to seed the deadrock. You can buy cured rock which wont cause a mess, and will do the job.

I would suggest that you boil the the rock that was oputside before you put it in the tank. Just to remove any bacteria etc from it first.

10/11/2009, 03:13 PM	#1
snakeh Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re seeding "dead" live rock Hi guys, I've been to look at a 6x2x2 tank that contains roughly 80kgs of live rock the problem is the tank has been emptied and the rock has been left to dry out for roughly a year. I've been advised that the rock can be re seeded by adding more un cured live rock, i just need to know how much rock will be suitable for this process to take place as qquickly as possible. There is a sump protein skimmer etc with the tank. There is a full set up. The tank was running perfect until a box fish died and wiped the whole tank, the couple selling the tank lost heart when this happened and couldnt afford to re stock it, so subsequently they ended up draining the tank and leaving the rock inside. The tank belongs to my aunty and she said i could have everything for £250 which providing i can get the rock back is really cheap, I just need to know whether it is possible because i can't afford to re stock the whole tank with live rock and that will determine wether i can buy it or not. As soon as i know how much live rock i need to re add, i will start filtering enough water with a RO filter. I'm a begginer at this and want to start from scatch so i can learn my trade before adding coral and fish etc amd just want to take my time. Thanks in advance Matt

10/11/2009, 03:26 PM	#2
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	If the rock has been outside then the condition of the rock may be questionable. If the rock is in good condition then the tank can be set-up and recycled without the addition of any new rock. If the rock has had exposure to pesticides and chemicals from the yard then you will need to replace it. It will likely take about 3 to 6 weeks for the tank to cycle regardless of whether you have to replace the rock or not.

10/11/2009, 05:32 PM	#3
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	I agree. You dont have to get uncured rock to seed the deadrock. You can buy cured rock which wont cause a mess, and will do the job. I would suggest that you boil the the rock that was oputside before you put it in the tank. Just to remove any bacteria etc from it first.