A one week ugly phase? It can be done!

[Sump Crab]

Just wanted to drop by and remind people that the never ending ugly phase is not a necessity! Please look at my build thread to learn more!

Build Thread - 65 gallon ocean liverock tank

I've been in the hobby for about 20 years and for most of it I had the same imported liverock that I have just moved from tank to tank. Recently we bought a new house and I decided to kind of start over. My rocks were so mature that I could get away with almost anything. I figured it was time to...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[SPR1968]

I agree you don’t have to have a never ending ugly stage, I did it with my large system by using rowaphos and heavy.

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

heck yes. we need to swing this hobby back to aquacultured real ocean live rock. Hobbyists will have more success and an easier time leading to a more thriving hobby. Kinda hyperbolic, but dead dry rock was the worst thing to happen to this hobby in 20 years. Well, next to the Hawaii ban.
With KP Aquatics starter rock my ugly phase was a week or less. The starter rock is cheaper and has minimal die off and minimal hitchhikers. Has flecks of coralline and a little sponge. Not nearly as nice as their premium stuff like OP, but still very alive.
Hitchhikers aren’t really a big deal. Most can be easily dealt with and all the good critters you get are way worth it.
My IM AIO came with a filter sock, i never use them normally because they catch too much good stuff. I ran it for a few weeks. Had zero pods. Took it out and tank exploded with pods. Fish are happy!