Seeding base rock

[fishhooked]

I have a few questions about seeding base rock with live rock. I am going to set up a 29G tank in the near future and want to get started on the right foot. I have been reading other posts alot but am unclear about seeding base rock. My plan is to buy about 5-10lbs of live rock to seed the base rock I have already purchased. My question is " is this possible and if so what do I do for filtration until the rock is seeded". I assume it could take months for this to happen. I plan to have a DSB, protein, skimmer, and powerhead. Should I wait to put fish in until the rock is seeded? I am in no hurry but am anxious to get going. Will the live rock be OK with no fish?

[OrionGirl]

The way most people seed base rock is to set it up in the tank, and fishlessly cycle the tank. Then add the premuim rock on top, so the bacteria and such can easily 'move in', so to speak. You'll be able to stock with fish at this point as well. Within a few months, the base rock should have coralline algae, as well as a stony tube worms, ect.

[fishhooked]

Thanks OrionGirl! Will I need any other filtration for the time between adding fish and base rock becoming seeded?

[OrionGirl]

If you do the fishless cycling, nope. You'll need powerheads for water movement, but the bacteria to process the ammonia waste will be established on the base rock by the end of the cycle, before any fish are added.