Calcrete rock for Marine set up     3/27/18
Hi there,
<Jana>
I’m currently living in Cape Town, South Africa, and am about to set up another marine tank.
I have come across some really nice looking pieces of ‘CALCRETE ROCK’ on the beach on the Westcoast. This type of rock is also called ‘Caliche’ or ‘Duricrust’.
<Oh yeah; a bit of review here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliche>
I read up on it a bit and it is apparently a calcium carbonate rock, a form of limestone?!
<Well, mostly CaCO3... with impurities. Even 80-95% pure might prove problematical>
I would like to use it in my new tank but cannot find any information stating in particular of whether it would be suitable for a reef tank.
Could you please advise.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Jana Maddock
<I too am curious here. But, also cautious. Were it me/mine, I'd experiment with this rock, in a small system for a few months, before risking it in a large, reef system. Bob Fenner>
Re: Calcrete rock for Marine set up       4/3/18
Hi Bob,
<Jana>
Coming back to your above comment, when you mention ‘impurities’, what are we talking about?
<Many other minerals; some are nutrients like nitrates, others involve metals, e.g. iron. Google Caliche and other names and the word impurities.>
What would they be and what impact would they have on the set-up?
<Could fuel algal growth to poison all>
And lastly, what would I test for after a few months and how?
<I'd boil some of the rock, use the water and rock in a small tank, add some hardier, small fish, non fish livestock and see if they live for a month or two>
Thanks in advance again,
Kind regards,
Jana Maddock
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Two birds with one stone. Stand/tank minor gap, cleaning old dry LR       9/16/16 Hi WWM Crew, <Hey Eddie> As always I am eternally grateful to you all for your patient assistance. Your website is a treasure trove of aquarium knowledge. Every time I visit I come away richer. I have been “dry” for almost four years now, but still considering myself a part of the saltwater hobby. I’m getting ready to get “wet” again, and I have a LOT of questions to ask so that I do it right this time. I’ve been studying WWM (and other sources) for several years, but often with greater learning comes only more finely honed questions. Today I have two sets of such questions. I guess this is a “two birds with one stone” type email. <Let's see> It’s been a while since I have asked a question, and I have been busy. I’ve been at work building a stand for my 75 gallon tank. <I see this in your pic. REALLY like the fastener pattern> I wanted to do this stand right because my last stand (for my old 55 gallon) was not made right and eventually resulted in the catastrophic failure of the bottom of the tank. I did a ton of research on how to do it, and this (picture) is what I came up with. I’m kind of proud of it. What you see is the finished frame for the stand. I have already treated it with spar urethane. I also have some quarter inch oak plywood and trim that I will use to “skin” it (and I’ll treat that with urethane as well). While I’m working on the skin though, I thought I would go ahead and use the frame of the stand for a water test on my tank. It’s a slightly used glass tank with an offset overflow (as you can see from where the cutout in the stand top is located). <Good idea> The stand frame is level, and when I sat the tank on it found that it is almost perfectly planar. On one side there was a tiny gap running several inches where I could slide a driver’s license fairly snugly. <This is with the tank empty? I'd fill it; see if the gap diminishes/disappears> At widest I would estimate it to be 1/32nd of an inch. The reason for this is something I found out after I built the stand, but something that I’ll pass on to any DIY-ers who read this FAQ. When boards (2x4’s, etc.) are planed, often the very end of the board is slightly thinner than the rest—from where it tilts slightly under its own weight coming out of the planer. It would be wise when working with wood to cut off the last inch or two off the end of the board to avoid this (like for the top side rails of an aquarium stand). This is the reason for that slight dip. <Ahh!> I was going to use Styrofoam anyway, which brings me to my first series of questions. I bought some ¼ inch Styrofoam sheets from Lowe’s that are 4 feet long. I was not thinking about the fact that my stand is 48 and ½ inches long—so the Styrofoam will not cover the entire bottom of the stand. Will the Styrofoam “spread out” under the weight to cover this gap? <Mmm, not likely; no> Or (because the tank has a floating bottom) should I cut the Styrofoam into strips—say 2 inches wide? I could have two 48 X 2 inch strips and two 18 ½ X 2 inch strips (trimmed to fit together at the corners). <I would cut such a strip; to cover the entire 48.5" base> I got several sheets of the Styrofoam, and I planned to use some for the test fill (which will last a week or two at least—it will be out of the way in the basement), and then replace it when I set up the tank. Is it even necessary to use it for the test fill? <I would risk filling w/o w/ the small gap you're experiencing; but if you feel uncomfortable, insert the foam.> I don’t want to do ANYTHING to weaken the tank (after what happened before). <Understood> The second series of questions has to do with my old live rock. I had about 50lbs of live rock in the old tank when it failed. I put it in five gallon buckets (dry) and it has been sitting in my basement for almost 4 years. The buckets have been open to whatever dust has settled on them (and whatever bugs or rodents might have crawled over them). I want to use this rock as base rock, and reseed it with some fresh live rock for the new tank. <I would do this> I read through the live rock FAQs again yesterday (2nd time through) and I’m not sure whether I need to soak these rocks in water with bleach or if it would be better just to rinse them. <I'd at least blast them with a hose... No need to bleach likely> I got the impression from the FAQs that bleaching is needed if the rocks had something on them you didn’t want (like BGA or crypt, etc.). This was not the case with mine. I was planning on bleaching them anyway—because they had been dead so long and sitting in the basement, but a friend told me it would be better to rinse them off and use them as they are—that anything dead in them will help the tank cycle. <I agree w/ your friend> Do I need to bleach them? Would it be better not to bleach them? <No bleach> Thank you so much for all your help, Eddie <A pleasure to share. Do please send along a photo of the stand, set up as it progresses. Bob Fenner>

Cooking live rock vs. new       4/27/15
I’ve decided to hit the reset button on my ten year old 30gallon reef tank.
<Aah!>
For the past few months it’s been running mostly unlit with just live rock/sand (no fish or inverts), due to several issues that I could never overcome despite my best efforts (algae, digitate hydroids, vermetid snails, parasites). The only fish from that tank, a percula, is presently living in a QT, having recovered from parasite treatment. My plan is to drain and scrub out the 30G tank, then start over with just liverock (no sand), the percula, and a RBTA or a couple corals. If I simply opt for brand new live rock, what's the most proper way to completely sterilize the old rock, so I could set it aside as dry base rock for future projects? Soak in freshwater and let it dry out in the sun?
<Bleach it first... ten percent laundry grade mixed w/ water; then freshwater, then air/sun>
In the alternative, if I opt to reuse the existing live rock in the new setup by “cooking” off all the bad stuff (i.e. 2+months in a darkened plastic tub, weekly saltwater changes, circulation, etc.),can I be confident that after the "cook", none of the hydroids, vermetid snails, algae and parasites will have survived?
<Not as good as bleaching.... Bob Fenner>
Chris

Dry rock and Liverock    12/27/13
Hello Crew,
<Hey Ed>
Well after a year or two of research and acquiring all my equipment
<Great>
I am ready to go from my 30 gallon tank to a 125 gallon tank. I had a question regarding the curing and cycling of dry rock with the addition of adding 40 lbs of established live rock from my 30 gallon that I have had going for three years now.  What are your thoughts on adding 100 lbs of dry rock with the 40lbs of established rock directly to the new tank with live sand?
<Put the olde/live rock and sand on top of the new/dead>
 or would it be better to add all to a large Brute trash can, go through the curing and cycle process and add to the new tank?
Thanks,
Respectfully,
Ed
<Just rinse the new and install. Bob Fenner>

Dry rock question   10/20/13 <Andrei! No! Seven megs of pix... am on a limited line...> Hello Mr. F, How are you? I have finally drilled the sump and started the refugium in the basement. If I would have followed your advice from the beginning that would have saved me a lot of time and effort. <Ahh!>  But what had to be done was done and what had to be learned has been learned. Now moving on. What do you think about the rock in the photo? I got it from southern Greece ( it looks to me that is coming from the sea ) with the intention to use it in the aquarium. I never was sure about it, but now it would fit in my huge live rock compartment. From the red color I always thought it contains too much iron, but is just a guess. Could it function as live rock, once it gets seeded from the already live ones? Thank you, <I would boil it in freshwater, let the water cool, and test for pH, nitrate and phosphate... and if there is time, add the water to a test tank (simple freshwater). BobF in Connecticut> Andrei from Romania

Texas Holey Rock    11/11/12 Hello Everyone. I have a question about the use of Texas Holey Rock in a saltwater aquarium. <Mmm, some folks have reported that this "type" of rock releases/dissolves appreciable soluble phosphate...> I have a 55 gallon tank that has  LR in it, but I found a piece of Texas Holey Rock at a LS that is really cool. It is my understanding that I can't really expect much out of the biological benefits, but it is still safe to use in my aquarium. My question is about the "curing" process. Does it have to be cured like LR, or can I make sure it is good and clean and place it directly into my DT? <I'd go ahead and soak it in likely just freshwater for a few weeks... measuring HPO4 concentration in the water before and after the soak...>  Are there any special concerns I should be aware of if I place this in my DT? <Mmm, well, if you need/want or don't more phosphate...> I don't have the impression that it needs to go through a big dying off or curing process. I appreciate your help as always. Brent <Cheers, Bob Fenner> Re: Thank you & Stocking & Setup Questions, C. flavissimus sys. KevinK    11/11/12 Hello WetWebMedia Crew, <Brent> >>Excised piece moved below<<  I am working on creating more caves, swim-throughs, ledges because they absolutely love the little mound on the left of my tank. It is so fun to watch them play hide-n-seek. Love it!  Here is my current 55 gallon FOWLR DT. As I said, I am working on creating more hide-aways for the right side of the tank. I wanted to put two great looking pieces of Texas Holey Rock because it has so many options for little ledges and swim-throughs that I feel the inhabitants would like. The LF had communicated how it shouldn't be an issue with adding it into our saltwater aquarium. I had read some site forums where people had used them. Then, I read some sites that started saying that it threw off the pH of their system. My thoughts were I could benefit from the added benefit of a little increase in pH, because the local water measures a low 7.4 for pH. My understanding is my reef inhabitants should be in a 8.1 to 8.4 pH, so I am having to increase the pH when I dechlorinate and make up the saltwater. What I don't know is how much the Texas Holey Rock, which I understand is Limestone, will impact my pH. I am going to put it into a separate saltwater tank to see how it influences the tank chemistry. <Ah good... and do measure before, and after soaking for a week or so, for soluble phosphate. Some of this rock is problematical re>  I am currently testing for: pH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia, Salinity, and Temperature. Even Copper ever so often, but it has been "0" constantly.  Am I missing anything since I don't have coral? <Not really; no>  I haven't found any chart concerning the recommendation of Texas Holey Rock and its impact, like there is for adding LR. I know I won't be getting the benefits of the LR, but I felt with all the current amount of LR in the system and the large amount of biological filter in the Fluval 400 Canister, I should have plenty to take care of that side of things. I just don't want the Texas Holey Rock to raise pH too much. <Not likely to do so... again, the real issue is sometimes HPO4 contribution>  Here's my logic: if I am going to have to be raising the pH every time I make up saltwater any way, it won't be any more of a task to instead lower pH. I need to do more research to see if my logic is good, because I don't know if it is harder or easier to lower pH than it is to raise pH? <Easier to lower in most circumstances>  Or, if I can add both of my rock pieces, which are pictured, or if I can add only one, or none? The Texas Holey Rock adds up to a total of 20lbs. <Soak it, test...> Thanks for your insight and recommendations. I hate feeling so needy. But I am learning so much. Wish we would have found you sooner. Brent <Me too. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Base Rock, use for? Rdg.     9/11/12
Hello everyone at WWM....  I just have a quick base rock question for you.
I am in Palm Beach County Florida.  I have friends who work for the county in the environmental department and they are starting to build the last phase to the Snook Island project in the Intra Coastal Waterway.  He has offered me a few hundred pounds of Coquina Rock to use as base rock in my new tank.  I just wanted to know if this would be a good idea.
thanks
<Why not? Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/baserockf2.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Re: Base Rock   9/11/12
I must be missing the link to the information about the coquina.  Sorry
<I see it on the corr. below... click on or copy/paste in your search tool/s. BobF>

overflow and <base> rock question    8/22/12
Hi Bob.
I wrote to you a bit ago with questions. I have as of yet tried to figure out if I still need reading glasses due to this site!
<Do re-size the fonts as necessary!>
I have, since our last conversations, installed a small 27qt.
<Quarts? Bigger would be that much better>
 sump to the 58 gallon show tank I have. I have started removing the bioballs slowly-maybe 1/4 per week. I have also added 15 pounds more live base rock to the main display. I am sorry to say that after 20 years of fish only keeping, the addition of the live rock is making me lean towards running at least a small reef of sorts. I kind of figured this would happen after finding this terrible site of information!!!!!!!
<Heeeee!>
Couple of quick questions. My wife is complaining of the water noise (she is the one who has insomnia and we moved the tank into the laundry room) from the overflow. Can that return be submerged.?
<Yes; and a sieve/Dacron bag placed over the discharge end... requiring frequent cleaning, but quieting it further>
What do you think of Marco rock out of Florida?
<Nice people, products>
 or adding dry reef rock or dry Carr. rock to the sump?
<Can be easily done. Do see WWM here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/baserockfaqs.htm
 Will it slowly propagate beneficial bacteria, or is it a waste of money.?
<The former>
And, if I add it to the sump, do I need to light it?
<Some light would be beneficial: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugltgfaqs.htm
Thank you for your book and all of your time. And to all you guys and gals helping us make the right decisions for our animals.
On a side note. I am a professional mechanic. Don't know how many of us that are avid fishkeepers out there, but the challenge of not putting your greasy, contaminated hands into the tank and killing everything can be done. Thanks to this site, and who I am I guess, I now spend over $40 a month on gloves of all sorts thanks to this hobby!!!
<A good idea... even to protect your hands, health for your line of work>
Just wanted to thank you for everything, and let you know that anything can be done in this hobby with a little love, patience, and, esp. reading, understanding and care.
Thanks.
Joel
<Thank you for your kind, well-elucidated words Joel. BobF>

Question about dead live rock     4/29/12
Hello all
Thanks in advance! I am still very much a novice at this. Got my tank running and I have not had to do much to it.
<Best to take ones time>
I have been running a 30 gallon Biocube, FOWLR tank for about 3 years. It's been doing great with tons of coralline and fish that are growing bigger by the month. I have been feeling sorry for these fish and wanted to upgrade to a 65g red sea max.
<A very nice unit in my estimation>
My original plan was to just move everything to the 65g tank since my bioload was going to be the same and add new live rock slowly. I have been reading that I probably shouldn't bother moving my old sand as there are probably a lot of nasties that will get kicked up during the transfer... Is this correct?
<Not necessarily, no>
1. If I buy new live sand from my LFS, how much do I need and do I need to cycle it first?
<Up to you... see WWM re... and not likely, no>
2. I planned to purchase more live rock, I currently have 30# and was planning on adding another 60#. My friend just offered my his old, dead, sitting in his garage for 10yrs rock. I'm thrilled since it will save me a chunk of change. The rock comes with a catch. He shut down this tank 10yrs ago due to massive die off from Ick. My concern is whether the Ick cysts can survive 10yrs? If it can, can I "cure" it of Ick? How do I do this (if it's possible).
<Not to worry... no ich/life... just rinse off w/ freshwater>
3. When adding dead/dry rock to seed it to become live again, is it better to add it one at a time or can I put it in all at once?
<I'd place all at once, under your newer (really) live rock>
I am in no rush, and I just want to do it the right way
Thanks again
Alice
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Cleaning Dry Rock 4/15/12
To whom it may concern,
How are you? Thank you for taking the time read my query!
<Hello Brent, and you're welcome.>
1 year ago a <I> tore down my 90 gallon aquarium. I dried out my rock and have stored it in  2 Rubbermaid containers.
 I  am in the process of starting my 90 up again <and> I would like to know if I should scrub the rock down with a vegetable brush in water before I place the rock in the aquarium?
<I would just power wash or take a tub of rock to a local DIY car wash and power wash there.>
Would the water need to be RO water? Or could I use tap? I live in Calgary, Canada. I have asked around on my local reef forums and it is split down the middle as far as water quality goes in the city.
<If you mean RO water for your tank, use RO if city water is questionable.>
 Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Brent
Sent from my iPhone
<Mmm, would take too long to reply on my iPhone....small keys, fat fingers.>

LR vs.. dry rock? - 3/10/12
Hi all!
<Hi Pam, Jordan here.>
I'm at a site that offers "dry rock" for about $2.00/lb. AND free shipping!!!<Do an online search for reviews of the company. Sometimes if it sounds to good to be true...>
I'm tempted to fill my 75 gal, 2 week old reef tank with this product.
I do have 80lbs of LS and one 8lb chunk of LR I paid $64.00 for!!<Ouch!>
Like everyone, I'm trying to save a buck.
How long would it take for this dry rock to become "living" as it
were?
<This will vary from system to system, but four to six weeks is a safe estimate; possibly longer in your new system. Be aware that dry rock can have large amounts of dead organics within and may need to be cured outside of your display.>
Or, do you think it is not a good practice?<If you do not mind waiting for the rock to cure, dry rock is great. It is economical and does not come with any unwanted hitch-hikers. I have used dry rock to some extent in all of my tanks.>
Thanks!
<You're welcome.>
Pam
<Jordan>

Tufa Rock and Hair Algae 3/1/12
Hi Crew,
<Hello Rebecca>
So I see on previous posts that Tufa rock seems to be implicated in some cases of hair algae troubles. What exactly is it about Tufa that could contribute to more hair algae growth than what you would get with other rock?
<Depending on where it formed or where it was collected from, Tufa rock may contain  significant detrital components along with phosphorous and can be problematic re nuisance algae growth.  Best not to chance it.>
Thanks
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Rebecca Bray

Dry Live Rock and Live sand 1/7/12
Hello Crew!
I am upgrading my 75 gallon saltwater to a 220 gallon saltwater tank. The tank has been inactive for about 4 months, the tank was drained with only enough water to cover the live sand. I would like to use the sand that it comes with, do you see a problem with this.
<No>
I have about 10 fish that I will be relocating to this new tank immediately.
<Mmm, I'd leave them out for a week or so if at all possible... to give the stagnant sand, life therein a chance to "air out">
I also have about 100 pounds of live rock in my current tank. The new tank comes with 500 pounds of live rock, but it is now pretty much dry from being out of the water since October. How should I go about making this rock live again?
<Just place some over time in an area near rock that has a good deal of life in/on it>
Should I put it in my main tank or should I keep it in totes for a length of time so that my water quality does not suffer in my main tank?
<The word "some" above>
I checked out your forums for live rock, but did not find anything relating to dry rock and making it live again....
<Oh, there's a bunch... Place your string: "dry rock and making it live again" in the search tool (on every page on WWM) and read. Bob Fenner>
Thanks you :)
Jess

live rock and base rock 12/21/11
Hi,
<Rudy>
I am setting up a 30 gallon FOWLR tank and need some advice.
<Ok>
I currently have 10 pounds of live rock I just put in the tank and need to add probably another 10-15 pounds of rock.
<Need?>
Do I add more live rock ($$$) or can I put in the rest in base rock?
<Up to you>
If I use base rock will it limit the number of fish I can initially put in the tank?
<Anything that takes up space can limit this>
How long will it take the base rock to become live rock?
<Weeks to months>
I have about 2-3 inches of sand (not live - yet) in the tank.
<Will become live in time w/ the live rock presence>
I am using a HOT Magnum filter and plan to add a SeaClone hang on tank protein skimmer.
Thanks,
Rudy
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Upgraded Tank, starting to get an interest in Corals, am scared of making the wrong decisions! Now base rock. 6/6/2011
Hi again James
<Hello Martyn>
I have another quick question for you, if you don't mind.
<That's what we are here for.>
I have tried to search for the answer to this but cant find anything definitive!
I'm of a mind to build up the rock work at the back of my tank, both for aesthetics and as extra perches for corals.
I'm not concerned about using Live rock, I have plenty of that, my question is : If I add base rock (the white holey stuff .. bleached coral bones?) that is sold at my LFS as base rock is it inert?
IE: will it cause a cycle or mini cycle ? like I was adding more live rock.
Or can I just go ahead and add a load.
<Will not cause your system to cycle, just rinse well before placing. As a precaution, I would smell the
rock after rinsing just to ensure the rock wasn't cleaned with bleach.>
Kind regards, And please extend my appreciation to everyone for such an informative web site!
<Mmm, do not see any question on water storage.>
(by the way, I am a web developer by trade if you ever need free help!)
<Oh, Bob may be interested in your kind offer of help if needed. James (Salty Dog)><<Thank you for your offer Martyn. DarrelB is coming down to visit in person... to likely read me the high-tech riot act re how backward the site (actually myself) is. We'll see. BobF>>
Martyn
Re: Upgraded Tank, starting to get an interest in Corals, am scared of making the wrong decisions! Now, base rock... 6/6/2011 - 6/12/2011
Hi Again James
<Hello Martyn>
OK got the rock and rinsed it , no bleach smell.
As a precaution, Im letting it dry over night just so any chlorine evaporates.
Apparently the rock is "Ocean Rock" I trust it not likely to leech phosphates - or anything worse into the water ?
Also, am I correct in believing that in time this rock will seed and become something like live?
<Yes, as long as you have a seed source such as a few pieces of quality live rock/rubble.
James (Salty Dog)>
Kind regards
Martyn

Dead, Live Rock quandary 4/26/11
Hello Crew... I have looked into a lot of the responses and not sure if I have found a full answer to my question, so here goes...I had a 120gal SW tank that crashed about a year ago. I was trying to bring it back for a few months, but was not able to do so. I ended up taking out all of my live rock and aragonite/sand and cleaning it with freshwater and brushes to get rid of the cyanobacteria.
<Mmm, won't really "work"... unless you bleach, otherwise nuke the spores, let air-dry...>
IT looked like the take was coming back after a while and I was feeling good about it. Of course the job calls and I was away for a week or so and when I came back, found that almost everything I had done was all for naught as the tank was almost as overrun with Cyano as it was before.
<Ah yes. Unless you change/d the predisposing conditions that allowed/favored the BGA...>
I ended up "closing shop" until I know I can put more time into the hobby and try again. I have all of my rock and aragonite still, but some is in tubs and other is laying on the deck outside in the snow and sun.
<Good>
I know this rock is now dead and believe it can be reused up to a point in conjunction with live although it will never be quite the same. My question is: Would it be best to start from scratch with new, live rock and add a little at a time of this other rock, or is it possible to take the time and re-cure all of the rock I have and use it as the majority of my rock?
<I'd definitely re-use the old... as "base" rock>
Once the rock has been subject to the weather changes, is it more or less beyond all hope now for a thriving system>
Thanks and take care,
Patrick
<Mmm, do see WWM re this "used" rock's use. Bob Fenner>

Bulk rock supplier 3/22/11
Dear WWM Crew,
Since this seems to be the place with all the hard to find answers I am writing to ask for help. I am trying to locate a good source for wholesale dry rock in bulk quantities. I am specifically looking for Pukani, Tonga or other nice, light weight rock. Despite many hours of searching I am having trouble locating any sources for dry rock, any advice or suggestions? By bulk I mean by the ton or more.
<Mmm, are you in the trade? If not, you'll have to deal through an intermediary... not hard to arrange. How much total weight of rock are you considering by "the ton or more"? A friend, Walt Smith, does collect and ship quite large (cargo containers) of this material... I will cc him here for his response. Bob Fenner>
Any advice or assistance is appreciated.
Thank you,
Trishka
Re: Bulk rock supplier 3/22/11
Bob,
<Trishka>
Thank you for your response. I am in the trade, I am setting up a wholesale and retail facility.
<Ahh! Congratulations>
As for the quantity that depends on the price and the most logical method of shipment. So far everyone I have contacted either sells it by the box or by the pallet (approx. 2000 pounds). Due to this I have been thinking in terms of a few pallets worth at a time but if it requires getting a significantly larger amount I am open to that possibility also.
<I see, and agree>
I have put in inquiries to Walt Smith already due to your recommendation of him in other WWM posts so I will wait for a response from him unless you have additional suggestions.
<Mmm, well, he and Deb have been doing their seasonal sojourn/month in Whistler, and are presently not at their "real work" in Fiji (are out here in Cal. getting other things attended to... though we'll all be out in Dallas, TX the end of the mo., then immediately back in OC, Ca giving pitches at the MAX event)... I do think he'll see the posts from us through WWM however and respond to you>
Thank you for your time,
Trishka
<And you for your participation in our interests. Oh! I should mention that if it's convenient location wise, you might contact Dave Palmer of PAF re this. Will copy him here as well. Bob Fenner>
Re: Bulk rock supplier 3/22/11
Walt Smith International Fiji Ltd
(mailing address)
PO BOX 4466
Lautoka, Fiji Islands
+679 666 5045-phone
+679 666 7591 - fax
www.waltsmith.com
Fiji Gold, Inc
www.fijigold-inc.com
<Thanks Walt. B>

Is Tufa Rock My Problem And What Can I Do About It? -- 02/18/11
My question pertains to a 6 month old Reef aquarium in which I cannot beat bad algae problems.
<<Not uncommon 'and do realize that a 6-month old tank is still quite new and likely still finding its balance, especially if the initial stocking was 'rushed'>>
The problem is a combination of algae on the tank glass (mostly green, occasional brownish) and extensive green long hair algae.
<<Been there my friend>>
The glass I have to clean at least twice a week and the hair algae I can't keep up with it. What I've read in a few of your other replies and the fact that most of the hair algae is growing on the Tufa rock (now spreading to the live rock though) leading me to suspect this as the cause.
<<Quite possible, yes. I've read that depending on where it formed/was collected, the Tufa rock may contain a significant detrital component 'this, and my own personal experiences with this rock, does lead me to believe that it can be quite problematic re excessive nuisance alga growth>>
What are your thoughts on this,
<<As just stated>>
is there anything else I should look at as well?
<<There could well be other factors at play here as you would have seen perusing our site (did you look here and among the associated links? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algnutrcontrolfaqs.htm ), but I would replace the Tufa with good live rock as a start>>
If you feel the Tufa is at fault is there anything I can do other than remove it (it's the base with live rock all cemented on top of it)?
<<Nope'¦will require removal>>
Will the Tufa eventually leach out all its phosphates?
<<At some point it may (months? years?), but changes to water chemistry (e.g. - drop in pH) can start it again...best to remove and replace>>
Is there any product that will neutralize it (without harming tank)?
<<There's no magic bullets here>>
I really don't know what else to do here,
<<You do'¦>>
I was going to get a PhosBan reactor, but the way things are going I feel it a waste of money at this point.
<<Agreed>>
I'm very confused, as most sites suggest Tufa rock in combination with Live rock,
<<Indeed'¦ I've also used man-made rock (i.e. -- cement based rock)'¦another bad decision. It's my opinion that if a reef hobbyist feels the need to use other than quality live rock, the best options are dead/dry reef rock or 'rock' made of a chemically inert ceramic material>>
your site is one of the first that seems to raise concerns about its use.
<<Experience has shown'¦>>
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
<<You have mine 'replace the Tufa rock with something better>>
I've detailed my tank and my efforts below in case it helps.
My Setup:
55 Gallon Aquarium (48l x 12d x 20h) with 10 Gallon Sump
(New) SWC 160 Cone skimmer and UV filter (9W)
Two 2 strip T5 HO lights (48') -- 1 on for 9 hours other for 3 hours over noon
Substrate combo crushed coral and live sand
Approx. 30 lbs Live Rock built on top of approx. 20 lbs Tufa rock
2 Clown Fish
2 Banggai Cardinals
1 Yellow Tang
<<The tank is too small for this fish 'please see WWM re>>
1 Flame Angel
1 Blue Damsel
1 Scooter Blenny
1 Peppermint shrimp
Approx. 15 snails (various)
Approx. 20 Hermit Crabs
1 Bubble tip Anemone
<<Not a good choice for such a young/un-balanced system 'and always questionable when placed with sessile inverts in such confined space>>
1 Zoanthus
8 green mushrooms
1 (small) Tree Coral
1 (small) bunch Star Polyps
Here is what I do and what I have done to combat the issue:
Water change once per week, 10 to 20% depending on need, includes vacuuming of substrate.
<<Will do little to help until the root problem is addressed>>
Tap Water for Salt mixed water changes and De-ionized Water for the fresh water top up (don't have an RO system). Tap water seems low in Phosphate (around .01 or so).
<<Phosphate is not the only concern. It's not 'always' required, but for the most part, reef hobbyists should invest in some type of tap-water treatment methodology>>
Clean glass twice per week. Pluck Hair Algae at every water change. Taken out and left out smaller loose rocks which were covered in hair algae. Charcoal in Sump. Various Phosphate products in Sump over last few months, including ROWAphos, Phos Guard and Phos-Zorb. Tried reducing lighting even more (only one strip 7 hours a day), doesn't help.
<<Nope'¦and maybe more damaging to your desirable organisms than to the nuisance alga>>
Reduced feeding to once per day, very little if any ever reaches bottom. Testing: Nitrate, Nitrite and Ammonia all 0, Phosphate hard to get accurate test but seems to be one side or the other of .05, pH, calcium, and carbonate all normal
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide
Darrell'¦
<<You can try to 'ride it out,' but I think you're in for a 'long battle' if you leave the Tufa rock in place. EricR>>

Rock Type In Marine System/Base Rock 1/31/11
Hello,
<Hello Paul>
I was looking for some rock with ledge shapes to it for my marine fish tank. A local fish store told me that I could use a rock called Lace Rock.
He said it was used in brackish tanks but could be used in a marine tank and he said over time it will grown with the tank (meaning creatures and Coralline will inhibit the rock. Can you tell me if this is true? Is this rock okay to use in my marine tank? Also, will this rock grown Coralline Algae on it? Can you tell me any bad affects I may get from this rock that you know of? I just wanted to ask the experts before I add anything to my tank that could harm it.
<Lace rock is generally of volcanic origin. The orange/reddish streaking on the rock (if present) is generally rust and/or lichen residue. Other contaminants detrimental to marine systems may also be present. I have heard more bad than good about it's use in marine aquariums and I would not chance using it. May be more trouble than it's worth, and I might add it's very heavy.>
Your information in recent weeks is second to none and I do trust all of you at WetWeb much more than my local fish guys.
Thank you again,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Paul

Some "dead" live rock.. 8/23/10
I recently came across some "live" rock. The guy who I got the rock from had it stored in a Styrofoam container for awhile and it has totally dried out.
<No longer live, base rock now!>
If I blast the rock with some water and give it a good scrub before putting it into my tank, would it cause a spike in ammonia from any organisms that may have been left on the rock?
<It is certainly likely.>
Would there be any other effects on the water quality?
<If there is too much left on there to rot it could cause a low Ph also.>
There are about 7 pounds of rock and the tank I want to put it in is 55 gallons with a Lawnmower Blenny and Tomato Clown living in it. I don't have a protein skimmer running on this tank at the time, but I do a 5 gallon water change every week. If this isn't a good way to clean the live rock, what method would you suggest?
<I would scrub this as you mention, then keep it in some water for a few days to check the nitrite/ammonia level. This will tell you very quickly if the rock needs to "cure" for a while or is safe to put directly in the tank. Scott V.>

Base Rock and Soap 7/3/10
Hello Crew!
I have a situation I'm not sure how to deal with. I have about 30lb's of Base rock I want to add to my Aquarium. The rock was from an old tank and I was soaking it in fresh water to get all the old Algae off of the rock.
When I put the rock into a sink to drain I left it there overnight. The problem is this sink is used as the drain system for our Washer. My Fiancé© washed clothes that night and I'm afraid some of the soap may have gotten into the rock. This was about 3-4 months ago. Is there anything I can do to make the rock safe to add to my tank or should I just get rid of it.
<It depends on your time table and budget. Doing a number of soaks for a week or more would probably fix any issues. Just be sure to change the water often. I might employ the trick of putting it in the toilet tank (not bowl), it would get rinsed many times a day. If you have the $$, new rock would be safer and quicker. With enough rinsing though, I don't see it being an issue. Ideally one would cure and seed it before adding it to an established aquarium. That would add another safety net.>
Thank you for your help.
<Hope this was helpful, Scott T.>

Base (Dry) Rock Questions -- 06/13/10
Hello,
<<Greetings>>
I just ordered 2 lbs. of base rock for a 12 gal. aquarium I am planning.
<<Okay>>
The rock was offered by a California company called Ocean Pro. Their product was listed as: "Bio-Rock - Base (Dry) (Aka Bio Refugium Live Rock)."
<<Mmm, I see'¦ I don't know your situation, but you would probably been just as well off (and maybe saved a few bucks) going down to the local Pet Smart (or similar) and picking up some 'dry' base rock>>
I plan to keep a Tailspot blenny in the aquarium when it is ready. I have some questions regarding base rock.
<<Shoot>>
Can base (dry) rock be stored in a dry place for long periods (months, years)?
<<Certainly>>
And do you have to cure base rock if it has already cured?
<<Usually, no 'unless the rock was simply dried without being cleaned first, in which case it will behoove you to give it a good soak-and-rinse a few times>>
Can you just let base rock establish nitrifying bacteria as the tank cycles, if you only need it to culture nitrifying bacteria?
<<Indeed you can 'do have a look here and among the associated links (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/baserockfaqs.htm). EricR>>

Re: Base (Dry) Rock Questions -- 06/14/10
Thank you so much for your reply.
<<Quite welcome>>
And I did check with my local PetSmart before turning to the site I mentioned in my previous e-mail.
<<Oh?>>
My local PetSmart offered me what appears to actually be gravel (loose, smooth pebble grade). This substrate is not rocks.
<<Understood 'but I have seen 'bagged dry reef rock' offered for sale 'perhaps a regional offering>>
I think the gentleman who was helping me meant well. But I had some experience before with such gravel in a freshwater tank I currently have. This substrate is NOT like having a few small rocks. Keeping such substrate is very messy and requires more maintenance than I am able to handle. Bare tanks with a few rocks, ornaments, and fake plants for decoration works much better for me.
<<Okay>>
The fish I keep seem to be healthier and happier with no substrate as well.
<<As long as you don't keep fishes with a requirement for such (e.g. -- burying wrasses, sifting/digging gobies, etc.)>>
Now if a fish likes to hide in substrate, caves, or nooks and crannies never worry never fear, I have a cave ornament they can hide in.
<<Won't work for the first mentioned (those that hide in 'substrate')>>
I had a redhead goby, a fire Dartfish goby, and a peppermint shrimp once. They all hid together in the cave. There were other places to hide. And there was substrate they could have burrowed in. But for some reason all three of them chose the cave ornament. I have 3 saltwater snails (1 Nerite, 1 Nassarius, 1 Cerith). The Nassarius and the Cerith like to burrow in the substrate.
<<Indeed>>
But no other of my past tank occupants hid in the substrate. The Nerite snail likes to hang out on the clear plastic viewing areas.
<<Is an intertidal species 'grazes algae and is often 'exposed' at low tide>>
It will browse on the brown algae that tends to grow there.
<<Yup>>
I like the Nerite. Out of all the snails, the Nerite is the most active.
<<Mmm'¦that you 'see'>>
The only future occupant (other than the 3 snails) I am planning for the 12 gal. tank I will be starting is a Tailspot blenny. I think the cave and the rocks I am planning will be enough for the blenny.
<<Agreed>>
Let me know if I am wrong here, so I can make necessary amendments.
<<Should do fine>>
Thank you so much for your advice and help. It is most appreciated.
<<You are very welcome'¦ EricR>>

Dead Rock (seeding) -- 11/25/09
Hi,
<<Hello>>
I have about 250#s of once live rock. I know it can be seeded with new live rock. How much would it take for that amount?
<<Can be done with a little as a few pounds 'though the more you use the faster, and likely better, the result>>
And would I be better off putting it all in 10 separate tanks, or all in one?
<<I would place 'all in one' and add a variety of seed rock from differing locals (or just different stores) if possible, for the most diversity of biota>>
I was planning on buying 45#s of live. Is that going to be enough?
<<Should be plenty'¦ And the longer you can let all this 'sit''¦the better>>
Thanks,
Tim
<<Happy to share'¦ EricR>>

Live Rock (How much vs. base rock?) -- 10/24/09
I am in the process of setting up a 75g FOWLR tank with no sump. I plan to run a Rena Filstar XP2 canister filter on it and a H.O.B. skimmer.
<<Can be done>>
To save money, I'd like to use some base rock.
<<Okay>>
Could you advise me as to how much live rock I'll need,
<<Very difficult to do as this depends greatly on the type/quality of rock as well as terminal stocking levels and even your filtration/husbandry/maintenance practices. My advice is to buy enough rock to provide adequate hiding/sleeping areas for the intended livestock while not filling the tank up so much as to not allow swimming and growing room for same. Perhaps start with 50-60 lbs of good quality rock and work from there>>
and what proportion of it could be base rock?
<<I guess that depends on how long you are willing to let this tank sit and mature? I'm thinking from your statements that this 'base rock' is actually 'dry rock' (though there is such a thing as 'live' base rock). Going on that assumption, the higher the proportion of dry rock to live rock, the longer the tank should sit and mature to give the seeded biota (from the live rock) time to spread and establish sustainable colonies. The more 'show quality' live rock versus dead base rock (or even 'live' base rock) you can add to the tank the more biota and bio-diversity available and indeed the better the overall outcome, in my opinion. But 'any' proportion is possible 'go with whatever you can afford and then proceed accordingly>>
Thanks,
JD
<<Happy to share'¦ EricR>>

Live Rock/Re-seeding 10/2/09
Good Morning again crew.
<Good morning Matt>
My tank is ready to be filled up and start cycling this weekend but I need some more live rock. I have about 40-50 lbs of base rock from an earlier tank that has been scrubbed down and ready to use. I want to seed this with new live rock. I have constructed some ledges and so forth out of PVC and seems to be working well. The question I have is, if I purchase about 20 lbs of live rock rubble, meaning just smaller rocks, will this be able to seed my big pieces of base rock sufficiently over time? I already have a lot of very big pieces that are going to be used as base rock and cannot really fit more "big" pieces in the tank. This is why I was going to try to mix in some live rubble to help seed this larger rock. Just wondering what your thoughts on this were.
<Base rock will eventually be covered with coralline in short time, with good water quality, parameters, and lighting. Other critters spreading/growing will depend largely on the fauna present on the live rock rubble. I would suggest getting a couple of 5-6" pieces of quality live rock with various life forms present and would not add any fish until the base rock develops, otherwise, introduced inhabitants are likely to pick it
clean before re-seeding can develop.>
Thanks
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Matt

Reef Rock Question DIY Base Rock - Prep for SW use, Slight misunderstanding re: 'cooking' the rock 10/1/2009
Hello WWM,
<Hi Kevin>
My name is Kevin. I am a long time reader and first time writer. I really appreciate all the hard work you all do and love the site. I was hoping you could help me answer a question I could not seem to find an answer to.
<Will certainly try.>
I recently purchased some Florida field limestone from a local supplier. I plan on adding this to my two mature reef tanks as base or sump rock. I was doing some research about the preparations that are needed before throwing this in the tank to seed and stumbled upon an article recommending to "cook" the rock. My main interest in doing this is to leach out the phosphates and any organic material present in the rock. My research suggested that high phosphates could be a problem with this type of rock for a while.
<It can.>
I prefer not to have to constantly use Phosban or other chemical means to keep my system running smoothly. I was given this link with detailed instructions on how to complete this process.
(http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?p=109759)
<After reading the linked article, it will not help with what you are proposing. That method is used to kill off any algae and foster good bacterial growth on the rock What you want to do is try to encourage the
phosphates to leech out before the rock goes into your tank.>
Since this is dry limestone with no SW bacteria cultures on it, can you do a FW "cook" with tap water, RO water, or water with an acid (vinegar) added and get the same "bacteria driven" environment to absorb the organic material and phosphates?
<Yes, You can soak it in FW, and try to get some of the phosphates to leech out of the rock on its own. As a result, you may get some FW bacterial growth, and perhaps some FW algae that will consume it.>
I really would prefer to save time, effort, and money by not wasting salt since the rock will be colonized with SW bacteria once it is added to the main system at a later time. I could then soak the rock in a diluted bleach bath to kill the FW bacteria, soak in a FW bath with dechlorinator, and then let dry for a week or so before adding it to my SW system. It seems to make sense to me but I could not find any references to "cooking" in FW.
<What you propose certainly would work.>
Thanks again and I hope you can help me out.
<My pleasure, MikeV>

Re-seeding Base Rock/9/30/09
Hello crew,
<Hello Matt>
I have a pretty simple question for you today. I was at my LFS the other night and mentioned to them that I wanted to purchase a couple pieces of live rock to re-seed the base rock that I have to set up a new 55gal reef tank. He told me to pitch all of the base rock and buy ALL new live rock because it would take about 10 years for the re-seeding to actually take effect. To me this seems like he just wants to sell me a whole new batch of live rock. Please tell me that it will in no way take this long for base rock to re-seed? Needless to say, I will be making my purchases elsewhere from now on.
<Nonsense. If you have quality live rock to seed the base rock, within three months the base rock should have a nice coralline growth at the least.
Emerging critters will largely depend what is on the live rock purchased for this purpose. I have constructed many arches, etc., from coral and base rock rubble with PVC-U cement, and within a couple of months, the rock looked great. Look out for this guy. One particular FAQ Scott Fellman answered regarding this subject is posted below.
"Dead" Rock for a Reef? Good For You! 2/24/08
Hello Crew.
<Hey there! Scott F. on board today!>
I was just wondering if I can seed dead live rock from a few Good and Live Rocks? I know a guy who is selling his dead live rock and I just bought a new tank with Live Rock from my LFS.
Cheers
<Absolutely! Generally, inert or "dead" rock will "recruit" life forms almost without exception. After a relatively short span of time, you'll see many different animals start to colonize and reproduce on and within the rock. In fact, one of our fine WWM supporters, Marco Rock, sells a wonderful selection of such "dead" rock for just this purpose. Beautiful aquariums can be developed using this material, with a little patience on the part of the hobbyist. And, it's less expensive than "live" rock, and has all of the benefits, without many of the typical shortcomings of uncured live rock. It is not necessary to build your reef structure out of entirely live material. Seed the inert rock with some live rock/sand from a healthy, established aquarium, and/or purchase "kits" of beneficial animals from sources like Indo Pacific Sea Farms or other e-tailers. Coralline and other algae, not to mention many different invertebrates, will gradually colonize the rock, resulting in a beautiful and healthy reef. IN fact, one of the advantages of using this inert rock is that, once given a pretty good cleaning, you're virtually assured of starting with rock free of pests and nuisance algae. If you elect to go this route, I say, "good for you!"
The results of patience and letting nature run its unhurried course can never be downplayed. Best of luck to you! Regards, Scott F.>
Thanks for your help on this
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Matt

Live Rock/Cleaning 0/24/09
Hello All,
<Hi Matt>
I have not had a question for a while because I have been trying to salvage my tank of all the Aiptasia and green bubble algae.
<Yikes.>
I am not even going to waste your time with system parameters because they are obviously awful and I am going tear down the tank and start over anyway. I do currently have a tank that I will transfer my two clowns to however. Now to my question.....I have literally hundreds of Aiptasia and bubbles all over my live rock. I was pretty much thinking about killing off my live rock and starting over with it as base rock, and then purchasing more live rock to seed it with while I cycle through my new tank. I have read a lot about base rock and reseeding the rock, but not much on what the best way to basically kill off the rock is. Could you please shed some light on this for me? What is the best way for me to kill off my rock and start over with it?
<Soaking the rock in a freshwater tub for a few days should kill most if not all marine life forms on the rock. A good scrubbing and rinsing under freshwater should finish the job. Some folks have recommended adding
chlorine bleach to the soak cycle, about 8 ounces of bleach per 50 gallons of water. This will ensure a sure kill, and may be the better way to go.
With this procedure, the rock will need to have several fresh water rinses to eliminate any residual chlorine present on the rock. In your case, I'd likely go with the chlorine bleach method.>
Thanks so much for your help as always
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Matt

Re Live Rock/Cleaning 9/24/09
<Hello Matt>
Wow, Thanks for the super quick response.
<You're welcome.>
Once I get this cycled again I really want to get an eel. I was thinking either the snowflake or zebra. Like I said, this is a 55 gal 4ft long. I only have the two common clowns right now. Would either of these be possible in the tank with nothing else to ever be added aside from the two clowns, and if so, which one would be the better choice?
<I suggest you read here and linked files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm>
Thanks again for all your hard work and help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Matt

Cleaning Live Rock 9/18/09
<Hi Keith>
I have about 30 pounds of live rock that has been sitting on my deck for about a year.
<Not "live" anymore for sure.>
I washed them with the hose, and now I have them outside in a container with an old powerful return power head that use to be in my sump. I am going to let it run overnight with the Clorox I put in there. ( I poured a few cups in and there is about 4 gallons in the container.
<Yikes, didn't need that much.>
Tomorrow at some point, I am again going to pressure wash them with my hose and then put them back in the container and let them run with some new clean water.
After that, I was thinking of baking them or boiling them to make sure they are sterile.
<They will be sterile after that Clorox bath.>
Should this be enough to do before I add them as base rock in my already established tank?
<Keep the rock in the freshwater (circulated) container until no trace of the Clorox
can be detected. Smelling the rock with your sniffer will detect this.>
Thanks!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Keith

aquascaping 09/14/09
I attached base rock to 12 inch by 12 inch sheets of acrylic with silicone in my 150 reef to add stability. I attached live rock with posts to the base rock. Have I created conditions that will allow for anaerobic pockets under the 12 by 12"s and glass tank bottom. Plan to add less than inch of sand once live rock cures.
be well
mike
<I think you'll be fine here Mike. Some anaerobic area/s are beneficial in captive aquatic systems... as long as a "good deal" of material doesn't accumulate in them and release too much in the way of products of decomposition sans oxygen, all should be okay. Bob Fenner>

Coral Skeletons/Cutting 9/11/09 Hello, <Hi Mike> Any advice on how I can cut this piece of coral longitudinally? Or whether I even should? Is it okay to use old coral skeletons, provided they do not contain any harmful substances as reef base rock? <Sure.> This piece was found on a sandy beach. I would like to use it to build 2 shelf's in a reef system? Its about 4 inches thick. Sorry I don't have a side view. Any feedback is appreciated. <Well Mike, most folks I know, use wet tile/brick saws to do this.> <<Have seen band saws used as well... not all types of blades though. Oh, and the rust spots/marks are not a problem. Not enough ferrous material to cause trouble here. RMF>> Be well, <And you also. James (Salty Dog)> mike

dead rock or live rock?
Base Rock -- 08/26/09
Hello, I am currently in the process of setting up a new saltwater tank. I was given about 150lbs of rock that has been sitting in a trash can in a garage for about a year. I was told that the water has not been circulated
for about 10 months. The rock is pretty much pure white with maybe a couple of pink spots here and there. Do you think this would still be okay to use?
<If you do, make sure you mix it with live rock, and realize that it will need to be "cured". It is likely all dead and so the live rock will seed it with some beneficial organisms.>
Or would I be better off buying all new live rock?
<If money is no object I suggest live rock, otherwise a mix would be appropriate, just allow for curing and a cycle to take place.>
I appreciate any advice you can give me :)
Thanks so much!
Jen
<You're welcome
Josh Solomon.>

Dried out base rock 8/5/09
<Hi Chris<
Ok, so I went out and picked up this rock
Apparently it had been out of the water for a day or 2 and had a really bad smell (stuff dying off of course). I was also told that there were a fair amount of Mantis Shrimp in the rock (yea..) I brought the rock home, put it in an empty tank, filled it with saltwater and put a couple of power heads to circulate the water. My thinking behind this is that there may be some life still on the rock that I can salvage. Do you think that this is a possibility for anything else but the shrimp?
<If it has been out of the water for a day or two, is infested with mantis shrimp, and already stinks, I'd personally let it bake out in the sun and kill everything off after you pressure wash it. the algae will die off, but you do want to remove as much as you can before it goes in your tank. I would pressure wash it, let it dry in the sun for 4-5 days, then I would set up a bin with a powerhead and salt water to begin curing it again. You can get a rock from the store or a friends tank to put in there as well to help seed "good" life back into the rocks.
Will the algae go away if I leave it in an unlighted tank...
<bake it as suggested above, mostly to remove pest algae and any unwanted mantis shrimp>
Should I be doing anything else?
Please keep in mind that I'll probably keep it for a few months in this manner as I just don't have the time to set up the display tank.
Let me know
Thanks
Chris
<Regards, Jessy>

Dry Base Rock 4/25/09
Hello WWM crew, Aaron again.
<Hello Aaron, my many apologies for the extremely tardy response.>
I was wondering about this base rock from (I believe one of your sites) Marcorocks.com
<A sponsor.><<Mmmm, not yet. RMF>>
and I was wondering if when I get the rock can I just put it in my tank and use the live rock in there already to cure the base rock or do I have to go and buy the stuff to fully cure it in a separate tank and go out and buy more fully cured live rock just to cure or can I fully cure it in my main tank?
<This rock has no living material and should already be scrubbed clean or done so by yourself if is has dead dried matter on it before placement. In the end this rock will not need to be cured, just cultured off of real living live rock.>
I just fully cycled my tank and bought live rock yesterday so what? I only bought 3 pounds of live rock so I was hoping that I can use the 25 pound of base rock form the site to cure it at its own steady pace.
<Hmm, yes, just add all of this together and give it some time, a period of a few weeks to establish biofiltration and for the LR to cure.>
Thanks, Aaron.
<Welcome, Scott V.>

Texas Holey Rock - OK for Marine Tanks? 3/12/2009
Hi,
<Hi there.>
I have a 90g marine aquarium with fish and corals. I want to re-aquascape the tank and was thinking of using some "Texas Holey Rock". The tank has been set up for about a year and about half of the rock in the tank was moved from a 30g that was up for about 2 years. The other half is lace rock. Is the "Holey Rock" OK for a marine tank? How long should I cure it or cook it before introducing it to my tank?
<It is a limestone and has been used for FW Cichlids for some time. I would rinse the rock completely in fresh water, and then soak it in salt water for a few days to a week before putting it in the tank. As the rock is porous, I would not use bleach.>
Thanks,
<My pleasure>
David
<Mike>

cloudy saltwater tank, base rock use 2/2/09 thanks for reading my e-mail. I have a custom made 86 gallon tank its 5'8 long 18 tall and 18 deep. I started out with a 50g tall that i never had this problem with, it all started out when i transferred tanks. I used all the sand, 30 pounds of live rock, about 100 pounds of limestone, <Mmm... "base rock"... this can be problematical... take a while to stop "flaking"> filter, skimmer and sump with about 15 pounds of live rock from the 50 gallon. Since the swap the water has never been clear, its not green just hazy. The fish don't seem stressed at all,. the new tank has been set up for approx . 3 months now, <Yikes!> and seems to get cloudier every water change. last week I decided to test for Alk . and calcium for the first time. The Alk was at 16 and calcium was at 440 my ph has always been 8.2-8.4 . I had been using tap water. I tested the tap water and Alk was at 11. So naturally i went strait out and bought an RO /DI filter and started doing water changes to lower the Alk . <Mmm, "it's" not the tap> I did several 30 gallon water changes adding the water very slowly over several hours. The Alk is now down to 9 and the calcium is still at 440 i am using Coralife salt. I am going to do some research on diff salts and their different readings. The last water change was done 24 hrs ago and it looked like it was going to clear up but now its cloudy again . custom made 86 gallon tank 45 pounds live rock 100 pounds of limestone 20 gallon sump has filter sock on sump inlet <Good> maxi-jet 1800 return pump CPR backpack skimmer 2 Hydor #1's 2 eco modded maxi-jet 1200's Eheim eco filter for carbon and filter pads for now 6 NO florescent 2 6500 1 18000 1 10000 2 actinic blue specific gravity 1.024 temp 78 deg ammonia 0ppm nitrite 0ppm nitrate 0ppm ph 8.2 alkalinity 10 dKH calcium 440 ppm phosphate .25 ppm fish 2 tank raised clowns 5 Chromis 1 coral beauty 1 black Combtooth blenny 1 dragon goby <Neat> 1 cleaner shrimp varies snails and hermit crabs no coral yet.... I have looked all over WetWeb and found a lot of info on calcium snowstorms. I thought that's what this was but since lowering the Alk there has been no change. I know that the dragon goby could be causing some of this but i don't see anything that looks like sand particles in the water. thanks for your time. i know the super bowl is about to come on so i don't expect any replies soon.. lol thanks Kent <Heeee! Was out walking the dogs during... surprisingly uncrowded. Well, my best guess is on/with the CaCO3 rock... not your source water, the salt mix, or anything else... Cures? Time going by... maybe sped up with the addition of a refugium... with macroalgae there, RDP lighting... a DSB... to aid in biological processes that will ultimately "settle", precipitate a good deal of this floating floc... Please read here re: http://wetwebmedia.com/marsetupindex2.htm the second tray down... Alternatively, you could invest in a mechanical filter with something like Diatom filter/size/type capacity... and sieve out the particles... while waiting for other processes to catch up. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Limestone rubble for live rock (base) 12/19/08 G'day WWM crew, This may seem an odd question, but I was wondering if there is any reason why I can't use limestone from my backyard in my aquarium that already has live rock in it. <Mmm, can be done... if pretty much pure CaCO3...> I will soon be requiring a lot of live rock for my new 1500l reef tank and was hoping I might be able to use limestone which I have dug up (I have tons, literally!) as base rock to save on costs. Should I be worried about soil etc embedded in the limestone? <Mmm, not so much if you do reasonable garden/hose pipe spraying to clean> Should I soak it in freshwater first? <A good idea... perhaps there are some more-soluble parts that will be dissolved off in this process, maybe some more of the dirt in question above> Some pieces are yellow on the inside which I think means it contains iron also. <Mmm, maybe... I'd test with a magnet... should be rust colored if ferrous... best to chip away most all of this> Any advice, recommendations would be greatly welcome. Thanks, Ben <Do smell a bit of the chipped off yellow part... might be sulfur... this is not so toxic to marines, but I would try to remove a good bit of it too. Bob Fenner>