free live rock?

[holloway]

An aquaintance has offered me his live rock for free. The only thing I know about the tank is that it's been set up for over a year. Is it reckless to add this rock to my established tank?

 

[steelchromis]

It depends on the condition of your friend's rock and only put a little rock in your tank at a time.

 

[rayraypico]

Just be carefull whenever adding ANY live rock you have to deal with a certain amount of die off. The die off could cause spikes in nitrates. I added my live rock with no other living creatures in the tank so I did it all at once but in your case I would add just a few rocks at a time.

 

[jp0379]

Its pretty much like buying it from the LFS, except you know where yours has been.....LOL. I'd do the same as what the others advised, just add a bit at a time. As far as adding to your established tank, since its been in his for over a year, his tank is established, too, so a long as he hasn't had a bunch of fish dying recently, it should be okay. Good luck!

 

[holloway]

What is the "rule of thumb" when adding LR. For example, what would be considered small amounts (lb) and what is a "safe" time ratio? Thanks.

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

TAKE IT NOW!!! If you are smart you'll go buy a $10.00 plastic trash can, a $20.00 heater and a $20.00 power head and stick the LR in the trash can and give it a few weeks and you now have cultured live rock.

 

[jp0379]

I'd add 25 lbs. now, and maybe the rest in a week or so. Just keep the other rock wet, of course, or maybe ask your friend if you can take half now and the other half when you are ready for it. As I said, since its been in his tank for a very long time, it'll be ready to go now!

 

[holloway]

thanks to all those who replied.

 

[sammystingray]

Check for pests......some are almost IMPOSSIBLE to keep in check and deal with....flatworms etc.