Adding LR to established tank

CONSTANTNE · 12-09-2007, 10:01 PM

My brother and I just ordered some LR. Im adding 2-4 pounds to my tank and hes starting his 3g pico. I have had the piece of rock in a bucket for 5 days now with no spike in ammonia or nitrites. On the other hand his definately has spikes in both. Today he had no ammonia but still nitrites. Im wondering if its ok for me to add the live rock now or if i should wait. Thanks for the input.

I have a 12g tank thats been running for about 5 months with around 14 lbs of LR and 10 lbs of live sand.

Casanova1016 · 12-09-2007, 10:14 PM

how or where are u curing the rock...for example in a bucket with powerheads ,light, how many water changes have u done.... etc etc... 5 days may be too soon..then again your testing the water and it comes back neg soo it maybe ready

Charlesr1958 · 12-09-2007, 10:17 PM

If you are positive that the live rock had not shared water with fish at the suppliers facility, then I would have just given the rock a good look over for any unwanted / obvious pests such as crabs and mantis shrimp and then put it into the tank. To keep it in a bucket just risks any other life on the rock and could cause further die off.

Chuck

CONSTANTNE · 12-09-2007, 10:32 PM

Casanova. The rock is in a bucket with a powerhead and heater and no lighting

Charles. The suppliers said the rock has been curing for some time but I was worried that the shipping would have caused some die off. I am unsure if it was shared with fish.

CONSTANTNE · 12-10-2007, 06:18 PM

I also have been toping off because it seems like the salinity gets out of hand quick. Maybe thats a factor too?

**Deepwater** · 12-10-2007, 06:36 PM

ALways better safe then sorry, You have dout , SO wait a few weeks and then add the rock to be on the safe side. JMO

Charlesr1958 · 12-13-2007, 03:47 AM

I agree, if in any doubt at all, then it should be quarantined for at least six weeks. Just keep up with the ammonia levels so as not to kill off the life on the rock.

Chuck

CONSTANTNE · 12-13-2007, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the advice. I hate this situation because i only have one extra pump, bucket, and heater. So water changes are sort of at a stand still. Thats why i wanted to put it in my tank. If within two weeks i see nothing would it be fine to add?

CONSTANTNE · 12-18-2007, 12:16 PM

Its been two weeks today and I have yet to see a spike in anything. Im gonna add it today or tomorrow I just wanna see what you all think.

Charlesr1958 · 12-20-2007, 12:02 AM

Since it is highly unlikely that a supplier would cure or keep live rock tied into a system with fish and corals, I would be willing to bet that the rock is now safe to add.

Chuck

CONSTANTNE · 12-20-2007, 04:45 PM

I went ahead and added it today. Actually had trouble yesterday so i broke it up, testing the water, and then added the LR

Thanks for all your help everyone!

roadking05 · 12-23-2007, 08:00 PM

If you need extra equipment, let me know. YOu can always borrow some from me.

CONSTANTNE · 12-23-2007, 09:08 PM

Thanks for the offer roadking. I added it already but next time I will give you a shout.