Can new live rock carry disease?

[cshouston]

I just ordered 10lbs. of KP Aquatics’ maricultured live rock to augment and boost about 60lbs of dry rock in a system that is already cycled, has some CUC, and a couple of small fish. I want it to increase the diversity of bacteria and other microfauna; something I gather is beneficial for the more sensitive SPS coral species.

As I understand it, they have a leased site off-shore of the Florida Keys where they mature the rock, then collect it and keep it in holding tanks until it’s shipped out to customers. They claim it’s 100% aiptasia-free, which I believe, but should I be concerned about potential pathogens? I do intend to rinse the rock in fresh saltwater before introducing it, for what it’s worth. I just don’t want to endanger the livestock that’s already doing very well in the system.

 

[Spare time]

I think that the odds of a disease being on the rock would be pretty low. Honestly I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[scabbedwings616]

If you are concerned about it, you could try a coral dip on it. I haven’t had any issue with parasites In my tank besides ich. As long as you have a qt setup for fish before introducing them to your tank, then you are good.

 

[cshouston]

If you are concerned about it, you could try a coral dip on it. I haven’t had any issue with parasites In my tank besides ich. As long as you have a qt setup for fish before introducing them to your tank, then you are good.

Yup, fish are quarantined before they go into the DT. I just wanted to double check on the risk of some kind of water-borne pathogen. Thanks!

 

[Midrats]

Keep all the goodness intact on that live rock to seed your tank.

 

[ReefBeta]

There is non-zero chance it can carry pathogen, like ich tomont. If you're really paranoid about it, quarantine it in a fishless system (fallow) for 6 weeks at 80F or 2 weeks at 86F.

 

[scabbedwings616]

Yup, fish are quarantined before they go into the DT. I just wanted to double check on the risk of some kind of water-borne pathogen. Thanks!

I feel like you will be fine as a parasite needs a host. More would be on the rock As there are tons of organisms on these but you could also qt the rock before adding it or cure it youself. Do another curing and wait the 90 days to kill things. That is up to you.

 

[ReeferJay86]

There is non-zero chance it can carry pathogen, like ich tomont. If you're really paranoid about it, quarantine it in a fishless system (fallow) for 6 weeks at 80F or 2 weeks at 86F.

I follow this same procedure with my fresh water tanks. I wasn’t to sure if it was the same for salt, as I’m still learning as I go. Higher the temps to around 83, introduce the medication slowly so the fish can acclimate. As what is written, Ich fall off and aid in hatching the eggs and thus die due to the meds.

 

[lion king]

From this source as it is collected snd stored, I believe it would be safe. But today many if not most lfs will housed their live rock plumbed right into their fish systems. This is so stupid, I really can't be nice about this, because this can be a vehicle for disease. Disease really blossom in thevway fish are stressed and housed in crowded and many time unsanitary conditions; its not really like that in the wild.