In The Begining

[hank]

When cycling a tank with live rock and live sand, do I need lighting?
Hank in SoCal

[melancthon]

The rock itself doesn't need lighting (to keep its nitrifying/denitrifying capabilities) but any hitchhikers may or may not, depending on what's there
And the coralline algae would probably appreciate it as well.

[Ninong]

Lighting won't hurt and it will benefit any photosynthetic life that may be on the live rock. You might run your lighting on a reduced schedule until you are ready to start adding things to the tank.

[hank]

Thank you both for your replies.
I just got the tank started. Only got about 57 lbs. of rock, that was all I could afford . Hope to add about another 25 soon. It's a 72g tank. Other than waiting, is there anything I should be doing?

[zhenya]

Thank you both for your replies.
I just got the tank started. Only got about 57 lbs. of rock, that was all I could afford . Hope to add about another 25 soon. It's a 72g tank. Other than waiting, is there anything I should be doing?

I don't think there are much to do when tank is in the cycling process, other than watching and observing that is. I think now is the best time to do some reading and researching your future inhabitants.
As far as more live rock goes, is it cured or not?

[hank]

Thanks, certainly reading,research, and planning can't do too much. The rock I got was cured. I 'm hoping to maybe get another 25 lb. today. Then I think that is it for rock?
Hank in SoCal.

[RHINO13]

Hello Hank,

If you don't mind me asking, Where are you getting your Live Rock?
Im in So Cal too.

[hank]

Hey Rhino13,
I'm in Orange Co., I had been to most all the local stores but for overall selection I liked Jeff's Exotic Fish in Orange. Today however, I went to a place that I really liked in Santa Ana. Black Coral Hawaii, they are a wholesale place, but Thurs. - Sat. (1-6) they sell to the public. If you've got a membership, which cost $20. Really had good prices, quality, and very helpful.
Hank in SoCal

[RHINO13]

Sweet,

Thanks, I ve been to Jeffs once and I like it alot. I bought my last 2 pieces of rock from there. I will check out that place in Santa Ana.

Can you walk in and purchase a membership?

[hank]

Yes, open to all. Cost $20. but they give you a Tshirt with your membership. I dealt with a guy named Ash, being a "newbie" I had a million questions. He took the time to answer and explain, didn't even try to sell something!
Hank