Live Rock Question

[thederek]

Aight...I'm just getting started with a 20gallon saltwater tank....I bought some live rock at the fish store and put it in my tank....however, due to unforeseen circumstances, the LR is sitting in a tank with only freshwater...hopefully there will be salt in ther within 24 hours.....how will this effect the LR and my cycling results??
thanks

 

[squidd]

First WELCOME to the board...thederek...:cheer:
A long fresh water dip ain't gonna be too good for most life forms on your rock unfourtunatly...
Most of the bacteria "might" make it (pH is a bigger factor there)...the actual "bugs" pods worms ect.. won't do as well...
The good news is that the "dieoff" will actually HELP your cycle by adding ammonia producing decay and you won't need to add a dead shrimp or live fish to kick it off...
You may want to drain half your water when you get your salt...mix it in a seperate container then add back to tank though...Don't want to be dumping undesolved salt crystals on already stressed rock.

 

[dreeves]

Everything on the rock marine related is dead...bacteria and all. Marine organism's cannot survive long periods in freshwater due to the rapid absorbtion and eventual destruction...osmotic pressure.

 

[squidd]

Marine "organisms" yes, But I'm betting a good bit of the Bacteria survive (they're tuff little buggers) and the tank will cycle on a "normal" schedual.