Dryed Live Rock

Acan Lord · 06/17/2008, 06:55 PM

I was looking at the Dryed Live Rock such as Marco Rock. I know a good jugdment for live rock is 1lbs/gal give or take, but because the rock is dryed it wont way as much so what is a good amount I should put in my 60 along with real live rock? Thanks. ~Also Does any one have a pic of aged dry rock?

kenbow19 · 06/17/2008, 07:06 PM

Try not to get so hung up on the weight, pick the lightest most porous rock that looks good, surface area is way more important than weight.

Acan Lord · 06/17/2008, 07:12 PM

I know its the size not the weight but im buying of line (free shipping). Thats why im asking what a ball park range is that should be good.

joeychitwood · 06/17/2008, 07:19 PM

I think you can use the same weight estimates for dried rock as wet LR, assuming you give it enough time to colonize and become "live" rock. The filtering capacity of the dried rock will be nil until it becomes filled with bacteria and other tiny creatures.

If you plan to use a significant percentage of dried rock in the tank, be patient and give it time to become an effective filter before you add fish and other poop producers, or you'll have problems with build up of nitrates, etc.

Acan Lord · 06/17/2008, 07:20 PM

Ok im almost thinking a half-and-half deal (35lbs lr and 25lbs dryed). Think that will work?

kenbow19 · 06/18/2008, 08:48 PM

I agree with waiting, letting the rock mature without livestock will help you in the long run, nothing good ever happens fast in this hobby.

tbundy · 06/18/2008, 09:47 PM

a general rule of thumb is 1lb per gallon and that is usually live rock. but like i said it just a general estimate... i would say to be on the safe side go with a 2:1 ratio 2lbs of LR to every pound of base rock. then let the tank cycle for a few months... i have seen this happen alot. People buy the cheaper rock to cut down startup cost of a new tank... they due a normal cycle then add fish. then 7-10 months later there is a huge hair algae outbreak all over the rock. all the feeding and the fish waste finds it ways into the holes in the "dead rock" and sits and sits till the rock has a ton of nutrients then one very small events triggers a really bad outbreak.

I recommend using as much LR in your display as you can. Then slowely add the base rock into your sump.. every month or so add a little more rock. Then after a few months you can use the rock in the sump in the display. All that "live rock" is, is just base or "dead" rock that is colonized with beneficial organisms living inside the holes.

Here is another general rule of thumb every person in this hobby should follow... Wait until you think its been long enough then wait 3 more months lol

06/17/2008, 06:55 PM	#1
Acan Lord Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 513	Dryed Live Rock I was looking at the Dryed Live Rock such as Marco Rock. I know a good jugdment for live rock is 1lbs/gal give or take, but because the rock is dryed it wont way as much so what is a good amount I should put in my 60 along with real live rock? Thanks. ~Also Does any one have a pic of aged dry rock?

06/17/2008, 07:06 PM	#2
kenbow19 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: MI Posts: 89	Try not to get so hung up on the weight, pick the lightest most porous rock that looks good, surface area is way more important than weight. __________________ 180 sps dominated. Current Tank Info: 180- sps dominent

06/17/2008, 07:12 PM	#3
Acan Lord Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 513	I know its the size not the weight but im buying of line (free shipping). Thats why im asking what a ball park range is that should be good. __________________ Biocube 14 Current Tank Info: 14 Gallon Biocube 70W metal halide, Stock return pump

06/17/2008, 07:20 PM	#5
Acan Lord Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 513	Ok im almost thinking a half-and-half deal (35lbs lr and 25lbs dryed). Think that will work? __________________ Biocube 14 Current Tank Info: 14 Gallon Biocube 70W metal halide, Stock return pump

06/18/2008, 08:48 PM	#6
kenbow19 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: MI Posts: 89	I agree with waiting, letting the rock mature without livestock will help you in the long run, nothing good ever happens fast in this hobby. __________________ 180 sps dominated. Current Tank Info: 180- sps dominent

06/17/2008, 07:19 PM	#4
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	I think you can use the same weight estimates for dried rock as wet LR, assuming you give it enough time to colonize and become "live" rock. The filtering capacity of the dried rock will be nil until it becomes filled with bacteria and other tiny creatures. If you plan to use a significant percentage of dried rock in the tank, be patient and give it time to become an effective filter before you add fish and other poop producers, or you'll have problems with build up of nitrates, etc.

06/18/2008, 09:47 PM	#7
tbundy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: wilkes-barre PA Posts: 197	a general rule of thumb is 1lb per gallon and that is usually live rock. but like i said it just a general estimate... i would say to be on the safe side go with a 2:1 ratio 2lbs of LR to every pound of base rock. then let the tank cycle for a few months... i have seen this happen alot. People buy the cheaper rock to cut down startup cost of a new tank... they due a normal cycle then add fish. then 7-10 months later there is a huge hair algae outbreak all over the rock. all the feeding and the fish waste finds it ways into the holes in the "dead rock" and sits and sits till the rock has a ton of nutrients then one very small events triggers a really bad outbreak. I recommend using as much LR in your display as you can. Then slowely add the base rock into your sump.. every month or so add a little more rock. Then after a few months you can use the rock in the sump in the display. All that "live rock" is, is just base or "dead" rock that is colonized with beneficial organisms living inside the holes. Here is another general rule of thumb every person in this hobby should follow... Wait until you think its been long enough then wait 3 more months lol