Water for wash the live rock..

[32Bit_Fish]

Hi all,

Can I use regular tap water to wash and scrab the live rock I just purchased from the FS? I mean fresh water (no salt)....

Then I need to use R.O salt mixed water to cure the rocks, correct?

To my understanding, I can revive dead rocks using clean salt water with light. It doesn't matter whether it is already dead or not in the FS, I can make it alive again, correct?

Thanks

 

[marrone]

First you want to get a scrub brush and scrub the rock clean of any excess live mater, like sponges. Then take a flat screw driver and scrap off the excess junk. You should then rinse off the LR with saltwater. Follow the instructions in the link below on how to complete the curing process.


Here's a good link on how to cured LR.
http://www.livestockusa.org/CURING.html

 

[drunktank]

You say you got your LR from ur LFS, wasnt it in their system already?

 

[32Bit_Fish]

oh no.. I was assuming.. :knockedou

I haven't get the tank yet..

There are so many items I need to buy before buying any rocks or sands.

But I want to know as much info as possible before I'm really doing anything. :thrash:

 

[drunktank]

well if the rock has been in ur LFS system, IMO theres no need to clean it off. Just place it into ur tank and ur cycle should start and finish pretty quickly. the only time i ever clean my rocks is if they are full of algae or aptasias

 

[32Bit_Fish]

Is there a table out there that specify how much lbs of live rock per size of tank (per gallon)?

How much LR do I need for a 10g or a 24g AquaPod or 125g tank?

 

[MightyMike]

Usually the word is about 2-3 lbs per gallon

 

[32Bit_Fish]

My LFS sells live rock for $5.99/lb and they told me the rocks are semi-cured. I figured they are uncured..:tongueani

 

[drunktank]

you can always find LR on websites like manhattanreefs, some of our vendors can also get ur LR

i normally say 2lbs per gallon, but when you get larger tanks, i feel it isnt cost effective to buy so much LR. My 125 was 75% baserock and 25% LR so i didnt spend much money, but got the same effect over time.

 

[32Bit_Fish]

So what is an average price for a pound of live rock? I didnt' find a vendors list on this site.

I know there are live rock available with a better price online. but I need to pay shipping.

Well, I need to do the math. The shipping cost is worth it if the base price of the rock is cheap enough.

 

[marrone]

Fish Town in Queens is probably the cheapiest at $3.99lb. You best bet is to wait until someone is breakdown their tank as you can get it for pretty cheap, like $2-$3lb and it will be completely cured and may have coraline algae.

If you're buying from a LFS, unless the rock has been in their system for a long time and completely cured, then you'll need to cured it before you place it in your tank. Clean it off as that will help in the curing process. Anything like algae, corals, plants or sponges that are left on the rock may lengthen the curing process.

As for lbs @ per gal that varies, some people use 1lb @ gal other 1 1/2 to 3. Also different types of LR have different weights, as some are more dense and heavy while others are more porous and light.

 

[DevIouS]

Our supporting "Vendors" forum is located is in the "Forum" drop down list, in tab above.

 

[cali_reef]

Fish Town in Queens is probably the cheapiest at $3.99lb.

I would bleach those rocks before I use them, the most disgusting tank I have ever seen. I don't think that water have been changed in the last 10 years, I doubt there is any life on that "live" rock. :scratchch

 

[32Bit_Fish]

I would bleach those rocks before I use them, the most disgusting tank I have ever seen. I don't think that water have been changed in the last 10 years, I doubt there is any life on that "live" rock. :scratchch

That's why they are for sale for $3.99/lb. I also see $5.99/lb written on the same tank. It's confusing. Maybe two different grade of LR?

Bleach the LR, do you mean the bleach that people use to mop the floor? It comes all kinds of fragrances like lemon, apple, orange. ...

 

[WaterPlant]

Wingo Aqua Pro Breeder in the house vendor list sells uncured Walsmith(mac certified) Figi rocks at $3.5/lb and cured ones $5.00. You can PM him. I have used his rocks and they are very good. Support our vendors.

 

[emps]

I just bought 88 lbs of fiji uncured from marinedepot for 3.63/lb shipped. 2 day shipping. http://www.marinedepotlive.com/fiji-premium-quality-un-cured-live-rock-.html

 

[32Bit_Fish]

Wow, I see alot of good deals on the internet. so how many lbs of LR I need for 20g? 40-50lbs?

 

[digitalreefer]

I would personally try about 30 lbs and see how full the tank is. You'll have a tough time getting more than that in a 20h, plus a lot of coral is attached to live rock, so as you buy coral, you'll be adding rock.

Also, the internet is great, but if you go to one of the MR vendors you'll be able to hand pick your rock. This gives you the ability to aquascape to your preference. I know Deepwater, Wingo, and House all have rock for sale and all three are great sources. (Sorry if I missed any other vendors that carry rock)

 

[32Bit_Fish]

Are they in Metropolitan area? I will definitely visit them if they are in or around Queens.

 

[digitalreefer]

Deepwater and Wing are in Brooklyn, House is a little North of the city.