LR in Brackish Tank

[fordsrule_68]

We have a LFS that has live rock for $5/lb. I was wondering if I could put this in my brackish tank will be putting a GSP in it. I know the bacteria would die off, would I have to rinse the LR in tap water or let it soak to help so I don't get an ammonia spike or boil it. The tank is currently cycling and I have aragonite for substrate. I will eventually go to full marine as the GSP gets older. SG is 1.009 P.H. is 7.8-8.0. If this won't work what kind of rock could I use then. Thanks for your help.

[Sploke]

I would go with plain lace rock or dry base rock - you would get the same, or a similar look, without dealing with the huge die-off, and would save a lot of money too.

[jpappy789]

I'd go with base rock as well...cheaper without the die-off.

[chefjamesscott]

what is die off

[KIM_TMA]

I think they are referring to the living bacteria dying off on the live rock James.

[Sploke]

Yes, the point of live rock is that it harbors millions of microorganisms (feather dusters, pods, macroalgae, sponges, bristleworms, etc) as well as the beneficial bacteria needed to filter the tank. When you put LR into fresh or brackish water, all this stuff is going to die and you'll get a huge ammonia spike.

[inkyjenn]

does adding base rock to a brackish tank help later on if you convert that tank to full marine?

[Pufferpunk]

Yes, the LR you add later (when the tank is SW), will "seed" the dead lace rock & make it live. Much cheaper/safer alternative.

[fordsrule_68]

I think I'll try to find some lace rock then and put in the tank then seed it with LR when it's marine. Thanks.

[inkyjenn]

pufferpunk: i was wondering if it all should be added at the same time (lr and br), but i think i will try the same thing: adding the br fairly soon (my gsp is at 1.016 sg and hes almost 3" long now)

[fordsrule_68]

I found Caribsea Reef Rock which is fossilized coral does anyone have any experience with this. I think I'm gonna give this stuff a try its only $2/lb.

[Pufferpunk]

As long as it's dead, it's fine & will help add hardness to the water.

As far as adding LR to a SW tank--it must be completely cured (taken from a fellow reefer's tank is best) or you need to cure it a bucket before adding to any tank with livestock in it.

[fordsrule_68]

Thanks!