Base rock Question

[gbtrain]

I just put 60 LBS of LR in my tank yesturday (55g tank ) and started the cycle process. My rockscape only went up about a 1/3 to 1/2 on the tank and I would like it to be a little higher. I was wondering if I add 20 to30 LBS of base rock at a later date ( may have live stock in by then ) will it cause my tank to go into a big cycle again?

Thanks,
Steve

[Brian35]

If you are doinga fish only with live rock you will be ok doing it in moderate amounts.

There will be some die off that will cause a small cycle but nothing to fear. Just add it over time and you should be fine. I actually need some more live rock myself and have been doing 2-5 pounds over the last 3 months and have noticed very limited nitrates from the die off.

happy salting!

[Reefland]

I would suggest that you go ahead and add the base rock now for a couple of reasons. This will prevent you from having to worry about any kind of nutrient spike caused by adding it later and secondly, I would want to put base rock under my nice liverock and not the other way around. ;)

[Samper]

Not only that but there is still a chance that the base rock you get has something living in it that you might not want. It's best to watch everything for a while before adding your fish. A guy here in Fayetteville NC bought some base rock locally, it had been in the aquariums at the shop for a little while but was none the less base. When he got it home to his surprise he had a slasher on his hands.