Live Rock question

[IndianMaidn]

Can cured live rock be moved around in the aquarium without causing a mini cycle ? I want to re arrange my live rock but not sure if it's a good idea or not.


Thanks

[Parrothead]

it shouldn't hurt anything, reaquascaping is half the fun

Tanks,
Robert

[IndianMaidn]

Thanks so much, that's the answer I was looking for ! I didn't know what to do with them when I started, the aquarium was already up and going when I bought it and took it home, so I had to put it back together that night. Now I have all kinds of ideas.

[Parrothead]

Whoa,

How long has the tank been set up since you got it, and how much of the orginal water did you transport and put back in the tank, also what is you substrate? sand, crushed coral, what? Also a quick list of equipment would be very nice so I can provide you with app. advice.

Tanks,
Robert

[IndianMaidn]

O.K., The tank was in operation for approx. 5 years before I purchased it, I've had it about 2 months. It came with crushed coral and it was filthy, I changed over to sand. When I transported it, I also lugged all but 20 gallons of the original water. It came with appox. 80 lbs. of live rock, I put some in the sump. I do water changes with distilled water until we can get an ro system. All my readings are on target, temp is at 79-80. The only tank inhabitants are what came with it, a clown, yellow tailed damsel, 2 peppermint shrimp and a few snails and dwarf blue legs. The aquarium is 75 gallon, 20 gallon sump, protien skimmer, I have phos guard and charcol in the sump right now. The rock is sorta just stacked across the back, it doesn't look too bad, but I am concerned about the water circulation, maybe a powerhead aimed behind the rocks ?. Speaking of which. . . . Powerheads. . . . I currently have 1 800 gph koralia in the center back aimed at the center front of the tank. I had 2 of them (one on each side in the back), but it seemed to be a bit much. Any suggestions as to that topic ?

[charlie]

Are those Korallia 3's? I would put one on opposite corner of the tank and point them at one another. What is your return pump?

[Parrothead]

Put the other koralia back in, can never have to much flow, other than that it sounds like you got every thing in order, aquascape away, enjoy, and look around through all of our forums, theres lots of good stuff and quite a bit of fun to be had as well, just wanted to make sure of things, Welcome to reeflands. Look forward to chatting more.

Tanks
Robert

[IndianMaidn]

Thanks Robert, by pointing them at each other do you mean mount them on either "side" of the aquarium and aim them at each other or mount them on the "back" and aim them at each other somewhere in the middle ? Sorry I am a little ditsy when it comes to that !
Charlie. . . . They are #3's and I think my return is a mag 7 ? not positive, but it doesn't seem to put out a whole lot. along with the 2 Koralia 3's I also have a lone Koralia 1 (400 gph), it just oozes out in my opinion.

[charlie]

Charlie. . . . They are #3's and I think my return is a mag 7 ? not positive, but it doesn't seem to put out a whole lot. along with the 2 Koralia 3's I also have a lone Koralia 1 (400 gph), it just oozes out in my opinion.

The mag drives are great pumps, but not much with alot of head. I would stay with it tho, it is doing it's job!!!
I had 2 Korallia 2's in my 80, and I thought they did just fine. I liked the fact that the flow wasn't just laminar, it was definitely more spread out and I like that.
Once you redo the rockwork, and you get it to the way you want it, then maybe you can see a way to get another one in there without blowing the sandbed to kingdom come.

[cdearing]

Any comments about the live rock in her sump? I was told to take mine out???BTW - we love photographs whenever you get a chance to share with us!

[IndianMaidn]

What ??????? I had bio balls and shredded plastic (?) in the sump when I got it, I was told to take that out and just use live rocks. However I am open to suggestions of any kind. You all have been the most help.
I will post a couple pics this afternoon, I would love to have some criticism . . . . . . as long as it is productive !

[charlie]

I would take the live rock in the sump out, it will become a detritus trap.

Did you get your tank rescaped?

And yes, we do like pictures, sometimes it is a relief to just sit down and stare at something instead of having to type!!!!

[Parrothead]

Yes, Pics, and more Pics, I agree with Charlie, move the rock from the sump to the display tank.

Charlie, ain't it great to have someone up this earlier to chat with here, Is it left over coffee or fresh that is the question?

[charlie]

Charlie, ain't it great to have someone up this earlier to chat with here, Is it left over coffee or fresh that is the question?

Fresh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Parrothead]

I always leave a cup, so I don't have to wait for it to brew in the morning, thats why we have microwaves

[leebca]

To utilize the full purpose of Live Rock (see: What is Live Rock, Anyway? ) you want it in the DT as close to where the fish and nitrogen wastes are produced.

[IndianMaidn]

O.K., this morning is my renovation time ! If I take out the live rock (which I will do), what do I put in the sump ????? I hear bio balls are a big no-no too. It is a home made sump, there is a kinda "shelf" that I lay a piece of filter felt on since there is no bracket for the sump drain. It just lays in the top of the sump so I couldn't use a sock on it. Or maybe I can when you guys are done with me ! I'll take some "before" pictures and maybe you guys can give me some pointers before I start.
Thanks again, your the greatest.
Boy, I'm still in shock. . . . .everyone else on another board, (which I wasn't impressed with), sorry, was yelling "live rock in the sump" !

[Parrothead]

Bio balls are a no-no, again garbage trap and a nitrate factory, your sand and live rock is your biological filter, maintain your tank, and that is all you will need, the filter pad can also be somewhat of a hassel, will require cleaning often to keep it from messing with the tank, it can also be a trap for goo and produce nitrates, Rock and Sand is good.

Tanks
Robert

[charlie]

Well, Indian..........................everybody has their own opinion, I guess we have to respect that.
(another cup of coffee & light cigarrette);););)

I am not a big believer of anything in the sump besides maybe macro-algae if you have the room. Before pics would be great!!!!! I also think that the filter pad will eventually go bye-bye, but you can leave it for now, only if you promise to clean it religiously, those too can become nitrate factories, something you don't want.

Is the sump acrylic? Sounds like an old wet/dry sump. I will probably be around most of the day after my Dr. appt. so lets have at it. We are here to help.

If you don't mind, I think we will move this thread into the Reef Aquarium forum so we can get a few more looks and opinions, but I will wait for your OK to do that.

[IndianMaidn]

I'm getting the photos ready now, the sump is glass actually, and you can move me wherever you want ! BTW, I change out the felt whenever I see a speck of dirt on it.