LIVE ROCK different options for bacterial surface area

[D3DPrintedThingz]

Hello and happy reefing,

What other options have you used for surface area for bacteria growth? Obviously live rock is the #1 answer, but I have seen stuff like dragon stone, drift wood, and lava rock, etc.

I also saw a picture of someones tank with a big ol plastic pirate ship. I always thought this was a no-no for marine application as the plastic will start to deteriorate and leach. I would be interested in using something like this in my tank if I knew there is no long term ill effect.

 

[Sharkbait19]

As long as it’s aquarium safe, it’s an option. I like to keep it to things that would actually be found in the habitat, so just sand and rock for reefs.
In freshwater, wood can be used, but I wouldn’t want it in a reef tank due to the tannins and other chemicals being leeched not really being good for a reef.

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

As long as it’s aquarium safe, it’s an option. I like to keep it to things that would actually be found in the habitat, so just sand and rock for reefs.
In freshwater, wood can be used, but I wouldn’t want it in a reef tank due to the tannins and other chemicals being leeched not really being good for a reef.

I am frantically searching for the thread with the pirate ship. It was so cool and the plan was to 'cover it in zoas' and that would be even cooler. Aquarium safe would be something on the price tag or product description, yes?

 

[DavidinGA]

Just use live rock and sand.

 

[Sharkbait19]

I am frantically searching for the thread with the pirate ship. It was so cool and the plan was to 'cover it in zoas' and that would be even cooler. Aquarium safe would be something on the price tag or product description, yes?

If it’s sold at a pet store for aquariums, it would be safe.

 

[ZombieEngineer]

If it’s sold at a pet store for aquariums, it would be safe.

They sell plenty of decorations at petco that are safe for freshwater but not safe for saltwater.

Some of the decorations that say "saltwater safe" are only safe for FOWLR. The paint they use is usually what makes it unsafe for corals but safe for fish since it sometimes contains heavy metals.

Only way to truly be sure is to try one that says saltwater safe, get an ICP test before it goes in, wait a few months and get another ICP test and make sure nothing like lead, antimony, copper, aluminum, etc enters the water column.

If they were truly made with metal free epoxy based paints and molded in epoxy based resins then those can be safe long term.

 

[Sharkbait19]

They sell plenty of decorations at petco that are safe for freshwater but not safe for saltwater.

Some of the decorations that say "saltwater safe" are only safe for FOWLR. The paint they use is usually what makes it unsafe for corals but safe for fish since it sometimes contains heavy metals.

Only way to truly be sure is to try one that says saltwater safe, get an ICP test before it goes in, wait a few months and get another ICP test and make sure nothing like lead, antimony, copper, aluminum, etc enters the water column.

If they were truly made with metal free epoxy based paints and molded in epoxy based resins then those can be safe long term.

Good point

 

[dvgyfresh]

I’m sure most aquarium decorations are fine for saltwater , I kno a couple people with gruuut , submarines , ship wrecks , ect .. in there reef it’s pretty safe plus I’m sure you run carbon. If you want to do it go for it, live rock can be anything even petco decorations. Just maybe don’t have urchins lol