How to make Base Rock 'Live' ?

[westwind77]

I am setting up my system using 100lbs of base rock & dry sand - will the base rock become live rock over time or do I need to do something special? I do NOT want to add any live rock to the system, trying to limit my risk of introducing algae to the system. Thanks!

 

[aquaman]

In order for it to become live you will need to introduce some live rock with the base rock. If you stick with small peices you will lower your chance of something unwanted, but if you do not put any in it will never become live rock

 

[reeferrookie]

And, unfortunately,you are going to get algae either way.

 

[westwind77]

Interesting. I thought I read somewhere that it would take longer, but become 'live' eventually. I guess I can pick up a small piece from my LF store and do it that way. How big should the piece be?

 

[tur4k]

Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/3242103
I do NOT want to add any live rock to the system, trying to limit my risk of introducing algae to the system. Thanks!
You could take a glass of distilled water, put it on a table and put a light over it. It will grow algae. There are bad things that can hitch a ride on live rock. Aiptasia, mantis shrimp, some bristleworms... There are good things that hitch a ride too.
Some of the most fun I've had so far in this hobby came from watching to see what would crawl out of the live rock next. Crabs, snails, feather duster, copepods, corals... Lots of good stuff.
You can add bacteria to make dead rocks live. Though everything I've read says it's better to just use live rock if possible. You are going to get algae either way.

 

[aquaman]

Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/3242189
Interesting. I thought I read somewhere that it would take longer, but become 'live' eventually. I guess I can pick up a small piece from my LF store and do it that way. How big should the piece be?
I would think the more you have the faster it will grow, but it is going to take time 6 mo to a year before it is all live rock.

 

[flower]

Live rock like Fiji is more porous than the base rock. It is lighter in weight, and IMO looks better. Those tiny nooks and crannies help with filtration...the reason for rock in the first place.
If I used base rock at all it would be on the bottom, with live rock on top, not just a piece. Base rock will get the nasty brown algae before the live rock. The critters that live in live rock are fish food.
I had 80 lbs of live rock for over 4 years before I got aiptasia from a piece of rock that came with coral. A little Joes Juice and some peppermint shrimp and I haven't seen any for a while now.
I understand if you can't afford the good rock, to just use the base rock, but to get only base rock because you are afraid of hitchhikers and algae is just plain misinformed.
Having algae is a part of life with a fish tank. The unwanted hair algae is from bad water, bad lighting or poor upkeep like no water changes. Algae is what lawnmower blennies, crabs, snails and tangs nibble at all day on the rocks, they will starve without it.

 

[xcali1985]

Also LR is the best way to introduce Coraline Algae into your tank. You can get some on coral frags but LR is usually loaded and ready to go very quickly.

 

[aquaman]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3242312

If I used base rock at all it would be on the bottom, with live rock on top, not just a piece. Base rock will get the nasty brown algae before the live rock. The critters that live in live rock are fish food.
I start with the base rock and taking my time I use a drill and some masonry bits and drill it to a "Swiss cheese" finish. These are great for sumps or to use under/behind live rock to fill out the tank. If you use many different size bits, take your time and make many holes, it looks good. After you get some growth on it, it would be hard to tell the difference for the average Joe.