rock

[o0jmadr0x0o]

i have pretty nice rocks that are in a freshwater tank, i would like to use them as baserock.... what, if anything do i need to do to the rocks to make them "reef safe"

 

[reefman]

it is a good idea to use ARAGONITE type of rocks and sand for a reef due to its buffering properties being it is composed of calcium carbonate. shape size n density also plays a factor.

 

[marki24]

I agree with reefman. And it also looks more natural then the freshwater base rock. Most salt water fish will need to dig in sand and most likely they wont be able to do that with your fresh water base rock. Go with live sand thats a definete

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

i think theres a misunderstanding, i do not want to the use the crushed coral in my cichlid tank, i alredy have sand i bought from dr foster and smith. its this kind of rock

http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Pro..._rpp_51_N_24+105_sku_79430_familyID_7724.aspx


but its been in freshwater for a year, so how do i get this ready for use in my saltwater tank

 

[Tonyscoots84]

if your 100% certain u did not use or anyone has used copper in that tank u should be fine (copper is a big problem for corals and invertebrates such as shrimp ect...)... i would just rinse it and leave it in freshwater for a couple of days just to clean it up really good..

 

[meschaefer]

if your 100% certain u did not use or anyone has used copper in that tank u should be fine (copper is a big problem for corals and invertebrates such as shrimp ect...)... i would just rinse it and leave it in freshwater for a couple of days just to clean it up really good..

Can't stress the copper enough. If you have ever dosed copper in your tank, you will not be able to use the rock in a reef tank. If not it should be fine. You will want to purchase some live rock, wich will seed it.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

aside from the copper, if the rocks are as porous as the one pictured i would use it. porous rocks are great for pods, worms and bacteria

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

ok so can i put the rocks from my freshwater (cichlid) tank directly into the new reef tank, the new tank wont have anything but liverock and saltwater...no livestock until everything gets established....or sould i let the rock dry out

 

[LeslieS]

Not sure what kind of rock is used in FW tanks, but the Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium says that some slates are reef safe. I take that to mean that some slates are not.