Rock? Is this a good kind?

Mike628 · Oct 5, 2015

My second tank I have set up was a 4 gallon nuvo pico that I just re-did (because of so many bristle worms and aptasia). I soaked the rock in a 3 part water to 1 part peroxide solution. Did that kill the live/beneficial bacteria? If I get rock from someone locally and do this solution will it kill the live/beneficiary bacteria?

Dtackett · Oct 5, 2015

no it should be fine. but aptasia and bristle worms aren't anything to freak out about. smack em with some super glue or kalk paste and youll be fine. then toss in a couple peppermint shrimp and you wont have any anymore. I actually stuck 4 pep shrimp in my old curing bucket for when I bought rock off of people and it worked great.

Mike628 · Oct 5, 2015

But what about the bristle worms? I really dont feel like getting poked lol.

Dtackett · Oct 5, 2015

honestly, ive never been poked. but you should always wear gloves when messing around in your tank. palytoxin is no joke.

Mike628 · Oct 5, 2015

What kind of gloves?

Dtackett · Oct 5, 2015

well, you know those super attractive big yellow gloves people use for cleaning lol

Mike628 · Oct 5, 2015

Lol yea everyone loves those. So what coral(s) and/or fish produce this?

Dtackett · Oct 5, 2015

its mostly palys and zoas. but other coral produce toxins as well and some can sting with a bit of a punch. its just best to wear gloves. I have a set I use only with my tank and they stay in my tank stand so no one else uses them with anything else. these gloves can also help prevent you from being bit by your fish even clowns have the habit of biting as they get older.

Mike628 · Oct 5, 2015

Don't zoas produce a toxin that can cause people to go blind?

Dtackett · Oct 5, 2015

yeah, palytoxin. that's why you should always wear gloves.

Dtackett · Oct 5, 2015

its also a smart idea to put a band of some sort around the top of them to ensure its a water tight seal. don't want the water getting to your hands.

Mike628 · Oct 5, 2015

Ok thank you, thats good to know. Its better to be safe than sorry.

Dtackett · Oct 6, 2015

yup. and with that, no need to worry about the bristle worms. but you can make a trap for them if they start to get out of control. or feed less but as they die they pollute the water like anything else does so its best to remove them.

Mike628 · Oct 6, 2015

Thank you. I really appreciate the help. Everyone on this forum is helpful!

Diesel · Oct 6, 2015

While you at it for safety and how to catch Bristleworms you can read this book from my good friend @Paul B , he also can tell you what Supermodels and this hobby has in common, no kidding.
Ok enough back to rocks.

http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/paul-b-baldassano-pens-unique-book-on-marine-aquarium-keeping-5809/

Dtackett · Oct 6, 2015

paul sure does like supermodels... cant blame him lol

Diesel · Oct 6, 2015

Dtackett said:
paul sure does like supermodels... cant blame him lol

and undergravel filters.........

Paul B · Oct 7, 2015

I personally have never bought a piece of rock, or a Supermodel. If you don't like or are afraid of bristleworms, heat the rock up in salt water to about 125 degrees for a few hours, while you are doing that, take your girlfriend out for a nice dinner and maybe a nice bottle of merlot. That will put your girlfriend to sleep so you can concentrate on removing the dead bristleworms and anything else on the rock you don't want. The bacteria should be fine. If you are a Sissy, I mean, if you are afraid to do this. You can save money and take her to Burger King where they don't sell wine.

I actually think that is in my book. The part about the wine also, but I am not sure if I mentioned merlot or Pino Noir

Mike628 · Oct 7, 2015

Paul B said:
I personally have never bought a piece of rock, or a Supermodel. If you don't like or are afraid of bristleworms, heat the rock up in salt water to about 125 degrees for a few hours, while you are doing that, take your girlfriend out for a nice dinner and maybe a nice bottle of merlot. That will put your girlfriend to sleep so you can concentrate on removing the dead bristleworms and anything else on the rock you don't want. The bacteria should be fine. If you are a Sissy, I mean, if you are afraid to do this. You can save money and take her to Burger King where they don't sell wine.
I actually think that is in my book. The part about the wine also, but I am not sure if I mentioned merlot or Pino Noir

Lol thank you man. The help is amazing, and I appreciate it!