Live Rock

[lt34]

I am getting a brand new 90 gallon tank next friday and having it set-up since I never had one before. I want to order the live Rock, but the live rock will arrive days before the tank. This might be a stupid question, but does the live rock need to be kept in water since it is shipped dry? Or should I have them set-up the tank and then order the live rock?

 

[bbb]

It would proably be best to wait until you have the tank set up. They ship with some moisture but there is still die off.

 

[saltwater8]

The easiest way would be to try and arrange the rock and set-up at the same time.
That way you can use the rock to start the cycle as well.
Or set- up the tank and add the rock 1 or 2 days later...
Good Luck!
:happyfish

 

[reefnut]

When it ships they pack it in wet newspaper or something to keep it moist. You will have die off from shipping but the longer it stays out of the water the more die off you will have. If it dries out or stays to long out of saltwater you will have nothing but expensive base rock... meaning no live organisms or bacteria left on it. I would order the LR after it is set up or get a holding tank for the rock until you are ready to place it in the display.

 

[granny]

OR____ fill a rubber trash can with salt water and put your live rock in that with a powerhead to start cleaning it up. Then it will be in better shape when you go to put it in your tank. You will need a large trash can or some kind of receptacle for your water changes anyway. Lowes sells a nice gray rubber 30-40 gallon can that is perfect!!

 

[lt34]

Thanks for the information. They are going to put some Damsels in I guess to be starter fish to start the cycle and I wanted to get the cured Live rock also. Maybe 110 pound of Live rock to start?

 

[threed240]

Originally Posted by lt34
Thanks for the information. They are going to put some Damsels in I guess to be starter fish to start the cycle and I wanted to get the cured Live rock also. Maybe 110 pound of Live rock to start?
Don't use live fish. Chances are it will die. Try raw shrimp from your local grocere.

 

[saltwater8]

Don't put in damsels - not only will they die, if they don't they are nearly impossible to get out of your tank.
They are very aggressive.

 

[reefnut]

If you are ordering cured live rock, chances are there will be enough die off on the rocks to cycle the tank. If not, a raw shrimp or a little fish food will do.

 

[lt34]

Where do you get the cured base rock? How much base rock do I use? I am going to use a wet/dry filtration system and the 90 gal tank is a reef ready with the overflow system.

 

[omgsaltwat]

Originally Posted by Granny
OR____ fill a rubber trash can with salt water and put your live rock in that with a powerhead to start cleaning it up. Then it will be in better shape when you go to put it in your tank. You will need a large trash can or some kind of receptacle for your water changes anyway. Lowes sells a nice gray rubber 30-40 gallon can that is perfect!!
I agree....

and welcome