Shelf Rock

[crstalww]

question I have a 55 gallon mixed reef tank. This was in upgrade from my 30 that I decided to put in storage. However that didn't last long. My 30g is now up and running water filters skimmer heater sand . Now I know someone has asked this question before but here I go. Shelf rock I want to add to my tank . Question does that mean I can add fish after rinsing it? No rush for it to become live as I haven't decided if I want to make it a reef and fish tank yet.

 

[Chef G]

has the tanked "cycled"? if not then no you will still have to cycle the tank before I would add any fish IMO. Maybe someone on here more experienced can chime in.

 

[SpongeAl]

If it is "cured" liverock, you could probably get away with it. Cured meaning the rock itself has been in a functioning aquarium for at least a month before going into your tank.

I started a small tank this way, BUT, I had a good ammonia test kit and saltwater ready. No ammonia was ever read, perhaps I missed it, or it was never there.

If it is that shelf rock from Big Als in Barrie, it has probably been in that tank long enough, though last time I was there I don't recall if it said it was cured or not, it will say on their price sticker.

So ya, not recommended, but if you are prepared (Ammonia test kit and around 10-15 gallons of salt water ready in case you have to do a 50% water change) and stock slow and light at first, you will probably be fine.

Even if you don't measure ammonia, you could turkey baste the new rocks once in a while and do some "extra" water changes while things get settled, it won't hurt.

 

[EricTMah]

I think she's referring to dry/dead shelf rock.
In that case, rinse it really well and it should be good to add to the system.
But if it's "live" rock. Then proceed with caution

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[crstalww]

Thank you everyone . I did live rock and shelf rock (clean) together mix and mingle . I know the piece of live rock I got has been there a few months every time I go I se it in there tank. The live rock with seed the new rock . Thought it would b cheaper that way

 

[scubasteve]

Ya only risk with live rock is what came with it! a lot comes straight from the ocean but a lot of stores now cure their own to sell as pest free live rock. Best part about giving a few months any coral eating or fish harming pests will die off before there is a food source. Then only the detritus eaters will be left which you want anyway. Longer and slower the startup is the faster and better your system will establish. When I had a tank leak and switched over it took almost 6 months to settle back down to stable and had a big algae issue because of the mass transfer after.