Filter Media + Live/Base Rock

Nem0 · Feb 8, 2019

I was at my LFS, and impulsively bought some ammonia remover/reducer pads for a filter. I have a fluval 9g flex (it has a back filter compartment and some extra space) and I was wondering when/if I should use the ammonia pads. I bought them for emergency purposes, but would it be bad if I kept a small pad in the back all the time? I've read contrasting viewpoints lol. Also, currently cycling my tank now if that makes any difference.

Onto my second questions- I purchased both base rock and live rock from my LFS, and was wondering about the transfer. I did some research and some people found random things in their base rock and recommended soaking it before putting it into the tank. The base rock was in a dry box at the store. Same goes for live rock, which was in water at the store. When can I introduce these rocks and get down to aquascaping!

ndrwater · Feb 8, 2019

2 things.
1) ammonia pads are (working from memory here) for freshwater use only as they are rechargable... In Salt water.. meaning the ammonia is released from the pad in saltwater, not absorbed.
2) give the base rock a couple swishes in a bucket and fire away with the aquascape.
Make sure the water is somewhat to temp and the salinity is there before adding the live rock

Nem0 · Feb 9, 2019

ndrwater said:
2 things.
1) ammonia pads are (working from memory here) for freshwater use only as they are rechargable... In Salt water.. meaning the ammonia is released from the pad in saltwater, not absorbed.
2) give the base rock a couple swishes in a bucket and fire away with the aquascape.
Make sure the water is somewhat to temp and the salinity is there before adding the live rock

So by 1 do you mean they don't do anything except release ammonia, not absorb it?
If so, is there any use for these pads or did I just waste $8

ndrwater · Feb 9, 2019

Nem0 said:
So by 1 do you mean they don't do anything except release ammonia, not absorb it?
If so, is there any use for these pads or did I just waste $8

If they are the ones I am thinking of, yes. They only absorb ammonia in freshwater, and only release the absorbed ammonia in saltwater

vetteguy53081 · Feb 9, 2019

You can place rock in a bucket for several hours and then agitate it to shake out sediment and release into display tank paying attention to bottom of bucket for any crabs, worms, rtc before you enter rock into display. You can also add light dose of DIP for frags to drive out any unwanted hitch hikers.