Adding more live rock, safe?

PhantomCavie · Mar 2, 2015

So I have a bit of a specific question that I haven't run into before. Is it safe to add more live rock to an established system? If so, how is the best way to do it to ensure the safety of the inhabitants?

I currently have a 40b that has been up and running for about 3-4 months. It has some lps, some zoas, and a snowflake occellaris as well as a midas blenny and some clean up crew. I want to add more live rock for better filtration as well as just to help with rescaping, etc. I was thinking of adding about 18 lbs more from another established tank.

Does anyone have any advice? My main concern is of course for the safety of the livestock.

Thanks!

saltyphish · Mar 3, 2015

I would put the new rock in a Rubbermaid tub with a powerhead and heater until it is fully cured. If you place uncured rock in your tank you could cause a mini-cycle creating a ammonia or nitrite spike.

Reefing Madness · Mar 3, 2015

If the Live Rock is already fully cured, then you can throw in as much as you want. If its not, then you need to cure it first, or risk your tank going into a mini cycle.
Adding dry rock would be better, as you can just throw it in and not worry about it cycling the tank again.