Live Rock and tank cycling

[martin3490]

Hi, I’m cycling my new salt water tank. Just got some live rock. How can I get rid of unwanted hitch hikers. I noticed what seems to be a baby gorilla crab or stone crab. I managed to get him of the live rock but is there a way to get rid of any u wanted hitchhikers ?

 

[Kris 2020]

You get the good with the..ahem..undesirable with true live rock. It’s so so so much better to start a tank with in my experience, it’s worth every hitchhiker. Most of them will be good guys. You will just need to keep you eyes peeled for the others and pluck them out as they show themselves. If you start “cleaning” or dipping it you will kill everything. Try not to worry about it and enjoy all the slithery crawly life that emerges after lights out.

 

[Shep]

You get the good with the..ahem..undesirable with true live rock. It’s so so so much better to start a tank with in my experience, it’s worth every hitchhiker. Most of them will be good guys. You will just need to keep you eyes peeled for the others and pluck them out as they show themselves. If you start “cleaning” or dipping it you will kill everything. Try not to worry about it and enjoy all the slithery crawly life that emerges after lights out.

Yep pretty much, you get the good with the bad when it comes to live rock and there isn't much you can do about it.

 

[LRT]

Hi, I’m cycling my new salt water tank. Just got some live rock. How can I get rid of unwanted hitch hikers. I noticed what seems to be a baby gorilla crab or stone crab. I managed to get him of the live rock but is there a way to get rid of any u wanted hitchhikers ?

One good way to get rid of unwanted hitchiker would be a few quick RODI fresh water dips.
As well as dip the rock in Melafix as most bad worms don't like it but this includes the good worms like bristleworms some people hate them some like them.
If you have any bivalves, clams, oysters etc on live rock you can dip only the rock in rodi or dip and leave the critters in air for a little bit and rinse in rodi if you use anything other than rodi before placing back in system.
Otherwise great choice. Well worth the extra effort up front. As well as time and money starting any other way other than real live rock.

 

[Pistondog]

Hi, I’m cycling my new salt water tank. Just got some live rock. How can I get rid of unwanted hitch hikers. I noticed what seems to be a baby gorilla crab or stone crab. I managed to get him of the live rock but is there a way to get rid of any u wanted hitchhikers ?

Sell on ebay

 

[HuduVudu]

One good way to get rid of unwanted hitchiker would be a few quick RODI fresh water dips.

This destroys micro fauna and isn't really good for the actual reason to have live rock i.e. bio diversity.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Throw the crab in your sump! Nothing like keeping a monster in the sump.
Or mail it to me!

 

[Cell]

I'm pretty sure one of the main sellers of live rock recommends a dip in high salinity saltwater to purge hitchhikers, allowing you then to add back whatever you desire. It won't get everything, but it's better than nothing. Personally, I'd put it in a QT tank for awhile and slowly pick out what I don't want before adding it to my DT.

 

[LRT]

This destroys micro fauna and isn't really good for the actual reason to have live rock i.e. bio diversity.

Yes but a fast shake and dip or even leaving it submerged for 2 minutes isn't going to kill everything.
Especially in the 18-25 yr rock that i recieved from gulf live rock. I'm taking my chances.
It all comes down to what and where you order from honestly.