rock for marine tank

[Tom K]

Just bought a used reef tank set up. Included was some rock, That use to be live rock, but has been dry for months. how should I prep this rock for my reef tank. also there is some dried algae, almost looks like moss on the rock. Should I try to remove this???

 

[marki24]

yes remove it i would also scrap the rock with a brush to get a good cleaning and then you need it to go through the process again for it to be live again

 

[TimberTDI]

Tom,

Welcome to MR! Glad to see another local OC guy join the ranks.

Definitely take the time now to clean off the rocks now. If you don't it will only cause havoc later on.

How much dry rock do you have? How much of the rock is covered in algae?

Steven

 

[DontXtripNfall]

Note that dry rock takes longer to cure even if its been in a reef before.

 

[jhale]

Tom, welcome to manhattan reefs.

there is a process called "cooking" the rock, which is a way to cure the rock
and remove any impurities from it before placing it in the tank.
The basic idea is too cure the rock in salt water in a dark container from 3-6 weeks.
The bacteria that grow in the rock will push out any garbage that has accumulated
inside the rock over the years. When using someone's old rock this is the best thing to do.

 

[rgun2515]

Tom, Welcome to MR...


Aside from the rock you received with the setup, I would also add some live rock. Follow jhale's instructions, then when the rock is good to go, add to your setup along with some live rock.

 

[Tom K]

Thanks for the reply. Have about 35 lbs. it is about 25-30% covered with algea. THis is a new venture for me & I appreciate your help. I have kept freshwater fish all my life. I have bred Angel Fish, Dicus & African Cichlids. Now I have 2 tanks a 150g African Cichlid tank & a 35g discus tank. After all that I feel so dumb about setting up a reef tank. It seems so different and complicated. I just purchases a used 90g reef tank with wet dry filter w/ built in skimmer. I hope I can lean on you once in a while for some advise. Thanks Tom.

 

[jhart]

Exactlly what jhale said cook it, for 3-6 weeks, in darkness in salt water, add a skimmer if you can..