Add Live Rock after tank is established?

[islandkoa]

Does anyone know the process for adding live rock to an established (cycled) tank? Not fully aware of the benefits of using live rock, I used damsels to establish my tank. I currently have crushed coral and coral (was dry) rocks all of which have algae (and likely bacteria) growth. I'm not sure if I should add some live rock and whether risk possibly upsetting my current system. I just moved here and I'm not familiar with the limited saltwater fish shops to seek (trust) their advice.

 

[bruner54]

if you put it in a seperate bucket with a heater and powerhead and let it cycle you dont have to worry bout your tank cycling again if this helps.

 

[vampofvegas]

If you are buying cured live rock from the LFS you will be fine. Smell the rock, if it smells bad or fishy.. its not cured. If it smells fresh or no odor its generally cured.
You can call up many LFS and ask if they have CURED LR. They should pack it up with a wet newspaper to keep it moist to keep it from minimal die off while on a short trip back to your house. They usually give me a Styrofoam box they get from fish shipping and place the rocks in there and cover them with tank watered newspaper.
Now, if you order online then you will have to cure the LR first in a separate container with a PH, heater, and perameters close to your tank. I forgot how long the duration is.
I buy my LR from a LFS that has them in their sump. The owner buys 1k lbs of LR and cures it at his house, then bring it to his store and keeps it in the store sump, never had issues.

 

[sepulatian]

It is safest to add the rock to a tub with a power head and a heater first. Many people have been sold rock that was called "cured" only to get spikes in their display after adding it. It is better to be safe than sorry IMO.

 

[sprinter144]

My lfs keep the live rock with fish and inverts in one of his large acrylic tanks under the same lighting as tanks containing coral. I have no doubts about it being cured. Maybe your lfs has a similar setup?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by sprinter144
http:///forum/post/2619108
My lfs keep the live rock with fish and inverts in one of his large acrylic tanks under the same lighting as tanks containing coral. I have no doubts about it being cured. Maybe your lfs has a similar setup?
In that case, it should DEFINITELY be cured in a tub for three weeks. Do you know haw many tanks have gotten ich or velvet from rock that was kept with fish? I am sorry, I am not picking on you or your LFS, just making a point. Rock should never be added directly to the display.