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Old 01-25-2008, 04:50 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: MT
Posts: 550
Tank Size (US GAL): 90
Experience: 5 Years
Name: Tristan
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Taras1 is looking at reefs
Default Re: Live Rock not Live

Interesting -- I take it that when you say it was stored, you mean stored dry, when you say washed with water, it was fresh water from a tap. If it was dried, then I'd wash it in salt water, using a brush to clean it, getting into the nooks and crannies. Other than having some residual organic material (dead) on it, it still may have some spores from algae and bacteria, which may activate. I'd still consider it "dead" for all intents and purposes.

Many of us mix Live Rock with "Dead" or Base Rock to kick start it. The same with your sand; probably 1 part live sand mixed with 2-3 parts dry sand. You'll still need 4-6 weeks of cycling time (minimum). Just keep testing your water and when Ammonia/Nitrite reaches zero and Nitrate is below 10, you can start adding your fishes.
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