Live/Base rock in a new tank

[Eric Boyko]

Hehe guys, I'm new to the forum as well as salt water. I have a 55gal freshwater tank and I'm in the process of creating a saltwater system with a 55gal tank, installation of an overflow, and constructing my own sump with a fluidized moving bed filter. I'm constantly looking for videos and articles to learn from. Rocks are one thing that I seem to get mixed answers.

I understand that you can mix live rock and base rock to save some money, but I've also heard that you should cure base rock for a few weeks to a month to eliminate any organics that will cause major headaches... I lost a tank before because I didn't do a proper quarantine. I guess I'm just nervous of getting some unwanted parasites or headaches with new live or base rock. Any thoughts or suggestions? What do you guys do with new rock?

 

[helen ann]

Hello Eric!


I have started with dry rock (on current build and upcoming build) and acid washed all just to err on the side of caution so not to get any unwanted hitchhikers.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

If the live rock isn't coming from another tank you have/had or you don't trust its source, then acid bathe it along with the dry rock. start fresh.

 

[skybears]

I lost a tank before because I didn't do a proper quarantine. I guess I'm just nervous of getting some unwanted parasites or headaches with new live or base rock. Any thoughts or suggestions? What do you guys do with new rock?

I agree witi this I did a lot of researched and really had to understand what I was willing to put up with. I am scared of bugs let alone nasty stuff. All in All I did choose live rock and sand, I decided that I was going for the gusto....lol BUT in all ....think of what you want to deal with and what you are not...BAMMM there's your answer.