Is my Live Rock Dead?

skiffalope

skiffalope

Washed up on the Reef
May 15, 2006
63
0
0
Riverside, CA
My live rock doesn't look as pretty as the rock in the pictures on sites that sell the rock. I will post pictures later. But, after about 6 weeks, shouldn't it be colorful and bright or does that take a lot longer.

Right now, it looks like rock with a few small red patches.

Any thoughts?
 
DeRo316 said:
What's your lighting system like?
Click to expand...

Plain off the shelf lighting. I haven't upgraded to a custom lighting setup. It is a single 48" florescent bulb that looks a bit purple. It came with aquarium.

Will changing to 10K bulb work?
 
Your live rock will not be bright shades of any color. You will notice, within the first few months, the texture and color of the rock may change from time to time but this is all normal. Be patient! The red spots are normal.

What you may be referring to are the bright colors of some hard and soft corals and other reef creatures. If you want them you should seriously consider upgrading your lighting system to provide adequate lighting/wavelength those guys need to survive. Be prepared to stay on top of the lighting in the case of reef tanks, both financially and time-wise. They are beautiful to own but are lots of work.

Another note on your lighting: The bulbs you get from any other store are going to emit the full spectrum of light. This is not wise because it encourages algae blooms of various natures. Remember the point to ponder when you first started your aquarium? It is the one referring to positioning your tank AWAY from the sun. Spend the extra ten bucks and get a bulb from the LFS. They will not only bring out the colors in your tank but they will also only emit the spectrums of light your animals need to be happy. Your lighting is just as crucial as your filtration! Expect to spend up to $500 in lighting if you want the reef tank.

As you should do your research first and price your equiment and most of all BE PATIENT.

-Jason
 
OK, in the short term, can I just change the fluorescent bulb in my plain fixture. And if so, what do you recommend? A 10K or a 50/50?

Let me know, I'd be happy to add anything that would make this better. I'm reluctant to spend 500 bucks until next year. I want to wait until next year to get better lighting and a cooling system. I'll also probably switch over to a Sump System next year.
 
That $500 is just the beginning. Lighting CAN be much more expensive.

Sumps are cool because they allow much more flexibility and versatility to the types of filtering. The basic rule of thumb is to keep the surface area for bacterial organisms high. The sump allows for this with the bio-balls as well as adding LiveSand, an air stone, or other media to keep up the "good" bacterial growth. Sumps are costly but very effective.

The bulb to get will be the one that suits your needs. I have the 10k and everything in my tank lives happily, not signs of stress, and eats very well. I have a FOwLR setup. The only reason you would need more spectrum is if you had corals, clams, and various other reef creatures.


-Jason

~60 gal Tank
Eheim 2215
UV Filter
~70lbs live rock
Brittle star
Sea Urchin
Two cleaner shrimp,
YellowTail Damsel
Singapore Angel
Green Chromis
Banded Clown
 
jasonpc said:
That $500 is just the beginning. Lighting CAN be much more expensive.

Sumps are cool because they allow much more flexibility and versatility to the types of filtering. The basic rule of thumb is to keep the surface area for bacterial organisms high. The sump allows for this with the bio-balls as well as adding LiveSand, an air stone, or other media to keep up the "good" bacterial growth. Sumps are costly but very effective.

The bulb to get will be the one that suits your needs. I have the 10k and everything in my tank lives happily, not signs of stress, and eats very well. I have a FOwLR setup. The only reason you would need more spectrum is if you had corals, clams, and various other reef creatures.


-Jason

~60 gal Tank
Eheim 2215
UV Filter
~70lbs live rock
Brittle star
Sea Urchin
Two cleaner shrimp,
YellowTail Damsel
Singapore Angel
Green Chromis
Banded Clown
Click to expand...


Jason

For about the next 12 months, I plan to run this as a fish only tank with some basic inverts for cleaning. I will NOT add coral until I address my lighting and cooling issues plus maybe setup up my sump. So, mine would definitely qualify as a FOWLR setup.

My real questions is whether or not the 10K light will work in my current fixture or do I need to buy another fixture immediately.

Any thoughts?????
 
In my opinion the 10k will work. It is what I am using. I am assuming you have the Coralife 30watt.
 
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