Base rock?

fishman007 · 10/05/2013, 02:15 PM

Can i start a 29 gallon tank with only base rock ? How long would the cycle take?

thegrun · 10/05/2013, 03:28 PM

Yes, using all base rock is not a problem. You will need to add an ammonia source like a dead raw shrimp or pure ammonia to start the cycle. Every cycle will vary but figure on a 5-6 week cycle

billdogg · 10/05/2013, 05:08 PM

I start all my tanks with dry base rock. It may take a bit longer to cycle, but you will avoid most unwanted hitchhikers. As you add corals you will add all the little critters that you would otherwise pay for by using liverock.

Many people will use a combination of the two. You can use almost all dry rock and just seed it with a nice piece or two of liverock.

10/05/2013, 02:15 PM	#1
fishman007 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 35	Base rock? Can i start a 29 gallon tank with only base rock ? How long would the cycle take?

10/05/2013, 05:08 PM	#3
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I start all my tanks with dry base rock. It may take a bit longer to cycle, but you will avoid most unwanted hitchhikers. As you add corals you will add all the little critters that you would otherwise pay for by using liverock. Many people will use a combination of the two. You can use almost all dry rock and just seed it with a nice piece or two of liverock. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

10/05/2013, 03:28 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Yes, using all base rock is not a problem. You will need to add an ammonia source like a dead raw shrimp or pure ammonia to start the cycle. Every cycle will vary but figure on a 5-6 week cycle