base rock

[Reefer769]

hey!

i am planning on getting 25-30lbs of BASE rock for my 30gal tank. My tank is all cycled already, so by adding this base rock will it force the tank to go through another cycle? keep in mind that i have 2 fish 6 snails and 5 crabs in the tank already.

[Ninong]

hey!

i am planning on getting 25-30lbs of BASE rock for my 30gal tank. My tank is all cycled already, so by adding this base rock will it force the tank to go through another cycle? keep in mind that i have 2 fish 6 snails and 5 crabs in the tank already.

That all depends on exactly what you mean by "base rock." If you mean the cheapest quality live rock, then the answer is DON'T DO IT!!! You cannot add 25-30 lbs of live rock of any quality to an established 30-gal tank. You have to cure it outside the tank first.

IF you are talking about completely inert, totally dead rock with NO LIFE WHATSOEVER, that's a different story. You are probably NOT talking about that.

[Reefer769]

http://www.reeferrock.com/store/Qsto...C01054761346C1

that is what im talking about.

[Ninong]

I found this on their website:

The rocks we sell are Bryozoan facies of Miami limestone that have a color from tan to bright white and average in size from 3 inches to 15 inches. This rock is totally safe and perfect for the aquarium environment due to it natural porosity, carbonate and calcium properties. Our base rocks readily accept natural coralline growth in saltwater tanks and soft corals love the natural base coral as a growing substrate. In doubt? seewhat our customers have to say just click here . Please note: We ship rocks that are white to light in color unless you say otherwise. We will ship any color or size you like, so let us know and we pack what you want.
We need additional time for aquarium rocks over 6 foot in length.
This is the same base rock we use in our live rock production in the Florida Keys. We have provided countless tractor trailer loads of this unique rock to Florida aquaculture growers and the orders keeping coming in.

That appears to be quarried limestone similar to what is used in the aquaculture of live rock in Florida. Chunks of this stuff would be put out into the Gulf of Mexico and allowed to age for two or three years before being sold as aquacultured live rock. What you seem to be ordering are completely dead pieces of limestone that should not cause any problems in your tank. This is common practice in Germany where live rock is extremely expensive. Hobbyists there will typically use only about 1/4 real live rock and 3/4 dead limestone.

Your tank is only 30-gallons. You may want to consider investing in a least 10-lbs of real live rock to seed whatever dead rock you buy.

[Reefer769]

i have 18lbs of cured LR already in my tank, and im planning on purchasing either 20-35lbs of that dead base rock so i dont need to spend over 200$ on rock.

[Reefer769]

how much Rock do you suggest i get for my 30gal cube in order for it to be a reef? will 38 be enough? or should i get the 35lbs of base rock, and i would have 53lbs all together?

[Poseidon]

It is mostly a matter of appearance... Whatever you thinkn looks good is what you should have...

[Ninong]

how much Rock do you suggest i get for my 30gal cube in order for it to be a reef? will 38 be enough? or should i get the 35lbs of base rock, and i would have 53lbs all together?

That all depends on the density of the rock -- how much it weighs -- but with light weight Indo-Pacific live rock I think anywhere between 25-40 lbs should be more than adequate. If you already have 18 lbs, then you should be fine with just another 18 lbs. but suit yourself.

[Reefer769]

cool, i will order 20lbs of the dead base rock and add it right into my aquarium. i think im gunna wait until next weekend to order the rock though becuase i need to gather the money and put it into paypal. thanks for the advice guys.


i will be ordering from here:
http://www.reeferrocks.com/baserock/