The truth behind base-live rock?

[AquatiCreations]

Hey Guys/gals.

Getting prepared for my next saltwater tank for the dark side is greedy.:thumbsup:
Anyways I was thinking on it and, I remember reading here that people were saying that base rock, when in a tank with live rock would take several months to be considered live rock.

First and foremost, what constitutes rock to be "live"?

and secondly, if the bacteria are what makes live rock,"live rock" in theory it should only take a week or two,even without other live rock because the bacteria are in your filter already correct? the bacteria would colonize on/in the base rock,and then it is to be considered live ?

Thanks-
Mark

 

[Ace25]

It takes just minutes/hours for base rock to start to become live when placed in a tank with live rock, but it takes many weeks for the bacteria populations to multiply to the point they are contributing to the filtration. 6 months is a little long but I think 1-2 months is average for completely dry base rock to become good stable live rock. The more live rock you have the quicker the process... so 1 small piece of base rock placed in a tank full of live rock will probably only take 3-4 weeks to be good live rock.

 

[AquatiCreations]

Ah I see Ace, thanks.

It seemed odd to me that a filter,containing less than a pound of porous material could be colonized in 2-3 weeks,from nothing but ammonia,then be able to support a tank full of inhabitants, but it would take several months for the rock to be able to collect a sufficient amount, in an environment where an abundance of bacteria are already present.

 

[Amphiprion]

Unfortunately, bacteria are only part of the equation. It takes even longer for all the various organisms (like worms and 'pods) to colonize the rocks. This is essential for properly functioning live rock. Without the water movement induced by the locomotion of these animals, the inner portions of the rock would not be a very ideal place to take up residence. That is why it is usually best to give it a good, long while.

 

[AquatiCreations]

Aha! Excellent explanation Amphiprion, I had not thought of that! It would make sense that bacteria would need a source of circulation,and the organisms are the ones who provide it, as where the circulation of water through the filter, to the bacteria residing in such.

Thanks!

Would this mean then that by inducing additional flow over the rock, you should make the rock "live" faster?

 

[Amphiprion]

Theoretically, yes. This will allow much greater diffusion than in slower water flow. The same applies to sand, as well, which is why I almost universally recommend very strong water motion (even in FO). It still won't be quite as effective as infaunal organisms, though.