Live Rock Question

jeffltodd · 08/12/2009, 10:12 AM

My Aquarium sprung a leak about one week ago.

In a panic, I drained all the water into two large garbage cans and placed all the live rock into the cans. All inhabitants went into 5 gal buckets with protien skimmer or airstone for water movement. I also placed all the sand into a 5 gallon bucket as well. All inhabitants are fine.

My concern is the live rock (at least I hope it is). I didnt even think about water movement with the rock and covered the cans with lids and left them. Yesterday I opened the cans and the first thing that hit me was the smell - reminds me of a smelly beach at Ocho Rios in Jamaica... but that's another story!

Anyway, my plan was to reuse the water (I moved my aquarium from one house to another twice, and saved/moved the water too). I am concerned because I think due to the smell and lack of quality of the water I will have to mix new water, which is not a problem.

My real question is: will the LR have to be cycled again? I have had this rock in my tank for the past 3 years. Also, because I am afraid I killed most everything on the rock and the sand has just been sitting in a bucket, should I buy a bag of live sand to start everything up again?

All input is welcome - I am mixing new water as I read your responses...

08/12/2009, 10:12 AM	#1
jeffltodd Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 290	Live Rock Question My Aquarium sprung a leak about one week ago. In a panic, I drained all the water into two large garbage cans and placed all the live rock into the cans. All inhabitants went into 5 gal buckets with protien skimmer or airstone for water movement. I also placed all the sand into a 5 gallon bucket as well. All inhabitants are fine. My concern is the live rock (at least I hope it is). I didnt even think about water movement with the rock and covered the cans with lids and left them. Yesterday I opened the cans and the first thing that hit me was the smell - reminds me of a smelly beach at Ocho Rios in Jamaica... but that's another story! Anyway, my plan was to reuse the water (I moved my aquarium from one house to another twice, and saved/moved the water too). I am concerned because I think due to the smell and lack of quality of the water I will have to mix new water, which is not a problem. My real question is: will the LR have to be cycled again? I have had this rock in my tank for the past 3 years. Also, because I am afraid I killed most everything on the rock and the sand has just been sitting in a bucket, should I buy a bag of live sand to start everything up again? All input is welcome - I am mixing new water as I read your responses... __________________ Four perfect killers. One perfect crime. Now all they have to fear is each other. Current Tank Info: All-Glass 72g bow-front, Rio 2500 return; SeaClone 100 in sump; Jebao WP25 wave maker; Reef Breeders Photon48