How long can I store live rock and how?

Sidewaze67 · 09/05/2012, 08:16 PM

I'm getting ready to start my 90g tank and I was wondering if I find a deal on some wet rock how long can I store it for and what would be the best way to do it? While I'm doing this can I seed base/dry rock in the process? Could someone point my to a thread that explains the seeding process? Getting anxious to start this hobby but want to get my ducks in a row. Is there a indepth thread on how to do the setup and the order it should be done. Thanks in advance.

Scott

kfisc · 09/05/2012, 08:35 PM

The in-depth threads that likely will answer all your questions are at the top of this column, called "stickies."

I would try to aim for getting your rock in your tank at start-up; you could store it in a rubbermaid bucket full of RO/DI water and your favorite salt mix essentially indefinitely, as long as you have a pump for good circulation and aeration. You'll "seed" your base rock by storing it in the rubbermaid with the other rock.

You'll still have to undergo the cycling process in your tank.

Sidewaze67 · 09/05/2012, 08:51 PM

Ok I dont have a favorite salt mix yet any recommendations

kfisc · 09/05/2012, 09:30 PM

I like Instant Ocean; I've used it since 1990 without problem.

Cademusgr · 09/05/2012, 10:41 PM

Reef crystals since 2012 lol

I would start with instant ocean then experiment later if you feel like it.

dc · 09/06/2012, 06:23 AM

I stored my LR for 3 years in a tank with a heater and powerheads. No light or food. When reset up a tank I bought a couple detritivore kits as I thought the rock was sterile. I have all kinds of things popping up on it that were not in the detritivore kits.

icex2010 · 09/06/2012, 08:07 AM

I broke my tank down for a couple of days to clean the algae problem I had and I used one of those rubbermaid 32 gallon containers (not trash cans) along with my skimmer and powerheads. Rock done fine along with hitchhikers for about a week.

09/05/2012, 08:16 PM	#1
Sidewaze67 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 46	How long can I store live rock and how? I'm getting ready to start my 90g tank and I was wondering if I find a deal on some wet rock how long can I store it for and what would be the best way to do it? While I'm doing this can I seed base/dry rock in the process? Could someone point my to a thread that explains the seeding process? Getting anxious to start this hobby but want to get my ducks in a row. Is there a indepth thread on how to do the setup and the order it should be done. Thanks in advance. Scott

09/05/2012, 10:41 PM	#5
Cademusgr Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada. Posts: 30	Reef crystals since 2012 lol I would start with instant ocean then experiment later if you feel like it. __________________ 90 gallon Reef.

09/06/2012, 06:23 AM	#6
dc Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Wyoming Posts: 44,684	I stored my LR for 3 years in a tank with a heater and powerheads. No light or food. When reset up a tank I bought a couple detritivore kits as I thought the rock was sterile. I have all kinds of things popping up on it that were not in the detritivore kits. __________________ Debi ~60 Cube~ Why? Because I said so of course. -Sent via Tapatalk Smoke Signals-

09/05/2012, 08:35 PM	#2
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	The in-depth threads that likely will answer all your questions are at the top of this column, called "stickies." I would try to aim for getting your rock in your tank at start-up; you could store it in a rubbermaid bucket full of RO/DI water and your favorite salt mix essentially indefinitely, as long as you have a pump for good circulation and aeration. You'll "seed" your base rock by storing it in the rubbermaid with the other rock. You'll still have to undergo the cycling process in your tank.

09/05/2012, 08:51 PM	#3
Sidewaze67 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 46	Ok I dont have a favorite salt mix yet any recommendations

09/05/2012, 09:30 PM	#4
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	I like Instant Ocean; I've used it since 1990 without problem.

09/06/2012, 08:07 AM	#7
icex2010 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 61	I broke my tank down for a couple of days to clean the algae problem I had and I used one of those rubbermaid 32 gallon containers (not trash cans) along with my skimmer and powerheads. Rock done fine along with hitchhikers for about a week.