LR in Brackish Tank

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fordsrule_68

fordsrule_68

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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

Sploke

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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.
 
chefjamesscott

chefjamesscott

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what is die off
 
Sploke

Sploke

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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

inkyjenn

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

Pufferpunk

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

inkyjenn

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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)
 
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