Introducing Live Rock Into An Aquarium With Fish

[minijo]

This might be a silly question, but I want to put Live Rock into my tank - which I have had about 2 yrs. I have 5 damsel fish, a shrimp and 2 crabs in there. Is it likely to be cured already if I get it from my supplier? I want to put 12kg in, can I do it all in one go? Will it kill my fish?

It is a 150ltr (33 gallon) tank

Thanks

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

If you buy it cured, you will be fine.
Its just the uncured stuff you couldnt add because this contins die off which will cause an ammonia spike in your tank, which is likley to kill your fish.
So as long as its cured you'll be fine

josh

 

[SkiFletch]

I dunno about that... If you've got a tank with an established filter system, you might be able to get away with some uncured rock. If it is uncured, I'd add it slowly, one piece at a time. Then again, the safest way if it's uncured would be to purchase it, put it in a bucket of seawater with a small powerhead and a heater, wait a week or two, then toss it in your display tank.

 

[jtnova13]

I dunno about that... If you've got a tank with an established filter system, you might be able to get away with some uncured rock. If it is uncured, I'd add it slowly, one piece at a time. Then again, the safest way if it's uncured would be to purchase it, put it in a bucket of seawater with a small powerhead and a heater, wait a week or two, then toss it in your display tank.

agreed, and much cheaper to get uncured!

 

[AK77]

Keep an eye out for unwanted hitchhikers though as you're more likely to get them in uncured live rock, since its not been cleaned and inspected. Those damsels sure would make a tasty meal for a mantis shrimp, should you be unfortunate/fortunate to get one (great in a species only tank... not so great in your tank with all your fish!)

If you have a spare fish tank you could put the rock in, it would be useful to spot any stowaway critters. When handling the rock, wear a pair of rubber gloves as it will most likely house bristleworms, or you could squish a nudibranch. There might be nuisance crabs or other undesired beasties, so always operate with caution.

 

[seffieuk]

Don't think she is suggesting buying uncurred rock, just rock from a lfs. But to be honest don't think I would tempt fate - if you can get it out of an established tank, maybe someone breaking down a tank, transport it in water for an hour or less then go for it, but if you buy from a lfs, stick it in a container containing the salty stuff, add a power head and heat, test after 24 hours and see what you get - let us know and we will help you (rock could be kept in anything food safe)

Seffie x

 

[SkiFletch]

Were it my tank, I'd always "cure" or "QT" the rock in a bucket first.

 

[Ollie1216]

This might be a silly question, but I want to put Live Rock into my tank - which I have had about 2 yrs. I have 5 damsel fish, a shrimp and 2 crabs in there. Is it likely to be cured already if I get it from my supplier? I want to put 12kg in, can I do it all in one go? Will it kill my fish?

It is a 150ltr (33 gallon) tank

Thanks

Ya know I tried to put live rock in my tank.....but the speakers and whoofer just took up too much room

 

[seffieuk]

Were it my tank, I'd always "cure" or "QT" the rock in a bucket first.

Agree, I wouldn't take the chance and as usaul Ski has got right to the point whilst I waffled above!!

Seffie x

 

[minijo]

Thanks! I wanted cured rock. I got some today, transported it in water and have left it in a bucket with heater ect. The man at the shop said one bit still smelled a bit bad so best to leave it a while. Anyone have any idea how long I have to leave it in the bucket? Thanks for the advice

 

[seffieuk]

Test every 48 hours and let us know your stats and we will help

Seffie x

 

[minijo]

Nitrite, Nitrate and Amonia have all been 0 for the last 2 tests. The man did say it was cured already, but I'll give it a bit longer.

 

[seffieuk]

Nitrite, Nitrate and Amonia have all been 0 for the last 2 tests. The man did say it was cured already, but I'll give it a bit longer.

I would have expected some ammonia by now if you were going to get any die off - looks like the 'man in the shop' was right, it's cured and by transporting in water you stopped any die off - woo hoo. I would be tempted to wait another 24 hours, test again and if still ok add it to your tank

Seffie x

 

[minijo]

Tested it again today still nothing so I'm going to put it in tomorrow! Thanks for your help

 

[seffieuk]

Tested it again today still nothing so I'm going to put it in tomorrow! Thanks for your help

You are welcome, can you start a journel so we can join you in your journey?

Seffie x