swapping out live rock?

pennfisherman · 02/28/2013, 01:51 PM

I have a 14 gallon biocube that has been running for over 2 years now. When I first started the tank I bought crappy very solid rock from a LFS. I really hate the rock and wanna change it out. I only have one clown fish and a few frags of coral in the tank. I was curious if I would be able to swap out 65-80% of my rock without causing major problems. I would be switching to base rock and plan on using the following rock.

http://www.reefcleaners.org/index.ph...mart&Itemid=58

Please let me know what the issues would be.

All the coral in the tank is no longer there, however you can see the rock.

pennfisherman · 02/28/2013, 01:52 PM

I plan on keeping the smaller chunks at top of the tank, and removing the 2 big hunks that make up the main base of the rock.

SirReefer · 02/28/2013, 03:04 PM

Will tag along. I was considering doing the same for my 75g for some dry rock but I would obviously introduce after curing the rock.. Not sure if a size that small would make a difference since its a small bioload mine however have a few fish so not to sure but if you do get dry rock you can add a shrimp or another piece of lr to have bacteria grow.

MIASDADDY · 02/28/2013, 03:16 PM

Make sure the new rock is cured,and free of hitchhikers.You can place all the new rock in a rubbermaid tub,with strong flow,and a good skimmer,and do water changes once a week til you can get clean tests from that water,then you shoild be able to add it without worry.If your concerned about hitchhickers,you can run that water at a higher salinaty,and that should bring out anything living in the rock.

pennfisherman · 02/28/2013, 03:21 PM

Supposubly these rocks are sold completely cured is that possible?

pennfisherman · 02/28/2013, 03:58 PM

" It has been professionally cleaned and dried after a long soak in a deep water well to prevent leaching. This rock is free of organics except the dust that may settle on it during transport. Because of this it can be added to an established tank without causing a cycle."

That's a quote from the site

SirReefer · 02/28/2013, 04:01 PM

If its dry rock it needs bateria or else you can see a spike which will kill fish and corals

ladyshark · 03/28/2013, 12:26 AM

Sounds like they are saying no cycle caused by die-off, since all organics are cleared off. But its useless in terms of filtration until bacteria develops, and since you are taking out live rock, you would get a spike. Better to set up so new live rock grows bacteria, then make the switch.

02/28/2013, 01:52 PM	#2
pennfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 308	I plan on keeping the smaller chunks at top of the tank, and removing the 2 big hunks that make up the main base of the rock.

02/28/2013, 03:04 PM	#3
SirReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Miami Posts: 707	Will tag along. I was considering doing the same for my 75g for some dry rock but I would obviously introduce after curing the rock.. Not sure if a size that small would make a difference since its a small bioload mine however have a few fish so not to sure but if you do get dry rock you can add a shrimp or another piece of lr to have bacteria grow.

02/28/2013, 03:16 PM	#4
MIASDADDY Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 11	Make sure the new rock is cured,and free of hitchhikers.You can place all the new rock in a rubbermaid tub,with strong flow,and a good skimmer,and do water changes once a week til you can get clean tests from that water,then you shoild be able to add it without worry.If your concerned about hitchhickers,you can run that water at a higher salinaty,and that should bring out anything living in the rock.

02/28/2013, 03:21 PM	#5
pennfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 308	Supposubly these rocks are sold completely cured is that possible?

02/28/2013, 03:58 PM	#6
pennfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 308	" It has been professionally cleaned and dried after a long soak in a deep water well to prevent leaching. This rock is free of organics except the dust that may settle on it during transport. Because of this it can be added to an established tank without causing a cycle." That's a quote from the site

02/28/2013, 04:01 PM	#7
SirReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Miami Posts: 707	If its dry rock it needs bateria or else you can see a spike which will kill fish and corals

03/28/2013, 12:26 AM	#8
ladyshark Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 677	Sounds like they are saying no cycle caused by die-off, since all organics are cleared off. But its useless in terms of filtration until bacteria develops, and since you are taking out live rock, you would get a spike. Better to set up so new live rock grows bacteria, then make the switch.