Live Rock Questions

[chaplain]

I am confused about live rock. I understand that LR is good for your tank, and that it is live because it has lots of bacteria and stuff on it. But, if I put in plain rocks (I understand it can't be any old rock) will they eventually become LR? If so, how long does it take, and what, if anything, can I do to speed up the process? Live rock is really expensive, and I am on a budget.

 

[dburr]

Welcome to the board.
L/r is corel that has died along time ago.
It's not the rock you will find in your backyard.
You can buy it anywhere between $4-$8 a lb. depending on the quality.
What I did is bought some from a store, cycled it, then made some from Portand cement and crushed oyster shells. Saved me a bundle.
good luck.
dburr

 

[dburr]

One more thing "dead rock" can become "live".
Hard to say how long. Try puting a little of your sand on it for a couple of days, then blow it off. It may help.

 

[chaplain]

dbur can you explain how you made the rock from portland cement. I saw a website on how to do it, but is it really that easy? Do you have any pics of the stuff you made?

 

[dburr]

No pics, sorry.
I saw the other thread has a link.
Be sure to cure it properly, at least 6 weeks and check the PH. I know some people use argonite instead of oyster shells, it may look better. I also heard of a white type of cement that makes the rock white.
I will try to dig up the artical. Tonight I have to move my 55gal so it will be a couple of days.
good luck
dburr

 

[silent bob]

go to the lfs and buy base rock or lace rock and "seed" it with a few lbs. of live rock, it will take any where from 6 months to a year, depending how long your tank has been set up and cycled, the longer its been setup (more than a year) it will seed itself faster!