question about adding new rock to established tank

Runfrumu · 11/29/2007, 05:43 PM

I ordered some marco rock a few weeks ago and have had it cycling in a rubbermade tub for about 2 weeks now with a powerhead and skimmer. The ammonia is almost down to nothing but the nitrite and nitrate are still pretty high. The rock no longer stinks and barely has a smell at all. Should I wait to add it to my main tank until the nitrate and nitrite are down or would it be ok to start adding a piece every few days and make sure it doesnt spike anything?

I know the nitrate's and nitrites are really just in the water from the organic's left over on the rock, but since the ammonia is almost back all the way down, shouldn't that mean that there's nothing left on the rock's now to decompose and that I'm nearing the end of the cycle on them?

Runfrumu · 11/29/2007, 07:01 PM

anyone?

demonsp · 11/29/2007, 07:15 PM

The smell is helpfull. But depending on density and amount of LR depends on curing time. Do a 30% water change then check again in 1 week. 3 or 4 weeks sounds safer.

Timbor · 11/29/2007, 07:15 PM

I would imagine if the ammonia is at 0, and there is no smell, it should be fine to start adding a few pieces. Perhaps start with a smaller piece or two and see if there are any adverse effects on the tank, then go from there.

Since your tank is a 125, the water volume should be able to handle the rocks if they are added in intervals.

HTH,

Tim

ihopss · 11/29/2007, 07:40 PM

I also would give it more time.

11/29/2007, 05:43 PM	#1
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	question about adding new rock to established tank I ordered some marco rock a few weeks ago and have had it cycling in a rubbermade tub for about 2 weeks now with a powerhead and skimmer. The ammonia is almost down to nothing but the nitrite and nitrate are still pretty high. The rock no longer stinks and barely has a smell at all. Should I wait to add it to my main tank until the nitrate and nitrite are down or would it be ok to start adding a piece every few days and make sure it doesnt spike anything? I know the nitrate's and nitrites are really just in the water from the organic's left over on the rock, but since the ammonia is almost back all the way down, shouldn't that mean that there's nothing left on the rock's now to decompose and that I'm nearing the end of the cycle on them?

11/29/2007, 07:01 PM	#2
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	anyone? __________________ Red Sea Max 130d and 125 gallon mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon oceanic tank, Lighthouse Pro XLS, 72" outer orbit fixture, H&S 150-F2000/1 skimmer, H&S 110 Calcium Reactor, Tunze 7096, 2 Tunze 6105's , Tunze Osmolator, Prime 1/4hp drop-in chiller. 5 years running. Red Sea Max, 3 years.

11/29/2007, 07:15 PM	#4
Timbor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 554	I would imagine if the ammonia is at 0, and there is no smell, it should be fine to start adding a few pieces. Perhaps start with a smaller piece or two and see if there are any adverse effects on the tank, then go from there. Since your tank is a 125, the water volume should be able to handle the rocks if they are added in intervals. HTH, Tim __________________ "I bet a funny thing about driving a car off a cliff is; while you're in midair you still hit those brakes... Hey, better try the emergency brake! - J.H." Current Tank Info: None currently

11/29/2007, 07:15 PM	#3
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	The smell is helpfull. But depending on density and amount of LR depends on curing time. Do a 30% water change then check again in 1 week. 3 or 4 weeks sounds safer.

11/29/2007, 07:40 PM	#5
ihopss Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gilmer,tx Posts: 751	I also would give it more time.