Storing live rock???

[Blazin__]

i have about 50 lbs of live rock that i need to store i dont have enough room for in any of my tanks. how would i store it or am i gonna have to throw it away??

 

[mike90]

ill take it off your hands if you dont want it.

 

[WRASSER]

You can store it in a 33 gal. trash can out side with a pump to recirc the water. You will have to check the water parameters while storing it in the can. and keep it under cover so the rain dose not get to it. The sun will help the growth too. If too much growth accures, then use less exposure to the sun.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Don't forget to add fresh top off water lost to evaporation too or the salinity will rise. Personally, I'd store it in the garage or shed if you have one rather than outside. Not saying it's a bad idea to have it outside. :wink:

 

[Blazin__]

What if i just throw it in the basement ehere noboday is, can you leave it sealed or will it ruin the rock, no circulation and just topoff if i need it, and no lighting

 

[WRASSER]

Well you do need oxygen for it to breath 8O

 

[ChrisRD]

If the rock sits in a container for a couple of months with no light, you'll kill off a lot of photosythetic stuff, but bacteria and many non-photosynthetic critters should survive. Throw a powerhead and heater in the container to provide circulation/aeration and stable temps.

 

[WRASSER]

Hey, Chris,
I remember someone posting about a protien skimmer, is that necessary too?

 

[jandree22]

or am i gonna have to throw it away??

I should beat you with an ugly stick for even suggesting it 8O :lol:

 

[ChrisRD]

I remember someone posting about a protien skimmer, is that necessary too?

I have stored live rock for several months in an unlit container with no skimmer and not had a problem, so I would say no.

Provided any large photosynthetic sponges/corals are removed first (so they don't die-off from lack of light and pollute the water), and without fish or large inverts present to generate waste, and no food going into the system, there's not really much to export.