[Earthboy17]

Hey everyone.

I have a 55g tank that I converted to saltwater. I got the water right yesterday, added fish (3 small damsels) and bacteria today. Will now let it cycle for about 4 weeks.

So right now I have 10# chunky coral, 20# fine coral, and 20# Live Sand in the bottom. I feel like this is a good amount.

I am now beginning to look for rock to place in the tank during this cycling process. Lots of people talk of Live Rock, but some say that since I don't have reef lighting (I have 40 watts total from 2 20w Power-Glo high intensity aquarium lamps. The box says it is good for saltwater, coral, & invertebrates. Does that sound right?)...since I don't have reef lighting, there's no point to having live rock, other than the beneficial bacteria. Because without proper reef lighting, anything that would grow...won't. Is this correct? Is the only purpose of Live Rock in a fish aquarium for the bacteria? If so, can this be equaled by adding bacteria?

So I find myself searching for rock to add to my tank during the cycling period. IF the above is true, what other rock can I use to add to my tank for the proliferation of bacteria and for the sake of creating an aquatic environment.

I put in some lava rock that I used in my freshwater tank. I called a local fish store and they said this was ok...does everyone agree? Will my lava rock over time become "Live Rock?"

In making a fish only aquarium, what does everyone use for creating the environment?

To recap:
1. In a tank w/out special reef lighting, does Live Rock serve a purpose other than housing bacteria?
2. Is the lighting listed above adequate for marine tank? What about for other types of saltwater growth?
3. Does Live Rock's benefit = Bacteria supplement?
4. What rocks are good for creating natural looking environments?
5. Is Lava Rock okay in a saltwater tank?
6. Will my lava rock become Live Rock?

Thank you all very much.

I'm very excited to finally have a saltwater tank after having many freshwater tanks.

Sincerely,
Tom

[e_baer]

First off, welcome to the greatest hobby in the world! Now, to get to your questions. It depends on what sort of animals you are looking to get for your tank. If you only will be having fish, the lighting will be OK. If you decide to get corals, you need a new lighting system. The live rock, you can have in many different lighting conditions. The rock is VERY beneficial to any saltwater tank. It aids in the breakdown of waste. The general rule is one lb of live rock for every gallon of water. You are looking for a natural look in your tank.....get live rock! Even though it may be a little expensive at first, in the long run, it will help your tank tremendously. IMO Bacteria supplement is not even close to as good as Live rock is. Im not sure about the lava rock being OK in your tank. Unless you introduce some Live rock into your tank, the lava rock wont become "live" for a VERY long time! Some advice: Have PATIENCE, patience is soooo important when haveing saltwater tank. Also, DO RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING, its gonan save you loads of money, and a lot of sad faces!

[Earthboy17]

Thanks E_Baer. Anyone else have other thoughts?

What is a good base rock to supplement (the more expensive) live rock?

[lynnvangsnes]

Lose the lava rock. It will harm your tank eventually. Skip the base rock. Save your bucks and put a chunk of LR in when you have the cash. The LR will help ease your bio load on your tank. Base rock is just a solid chunk that usually serves as a base for your live rock. Certainly, some smaller pieces of "non-living" rock can be pretty, be sure you know what kind it is because some types of rock can actually leech out harmful nutrients into your tank. It's not required to put everything in your tank at once. That's part of the fun. A piece of LR here and there, a specimen here and there. Take your time and plan it out! It's really a lot of run. Your tank isn't going anywhere.

[joshhhuuuhh]

i am in the process of curing a rock right now. im trying to take the cheap way out so i got a huge 30lb rock or so that i found in a pile and im trying to dis infect it and then let it grow alge and bacteria.

[teriyakithunder]

Originally Posted by lynnvangsnes

Lose the lava rock. It will harm your tank eventually. Skip the base rock. Save your bucks and put a chunk of LR in when you have the cash. The LR will help ease your bio load on your tank. Base rock is just a solid chunk that usually serves as a base for your live rock. Certainly, some smaller pieces of "non-living" rock can be pretty, be sure you know what kind it is because some types of rock can actually leech out harmful nutrients into your tank. It's not required to put everything in your tank at once. That's part of the fun. A piece of LR here and there, a specimen here and there. Take your time and plan it out! It's really a lot of run. Your tank isn't going anywhere.

Whats so bad about lava rock? I'm just curious because I've had it in my fish only tank for years and I don't think that its caused anything abnormal. however I am planning on introducing live rock to my 60 gal pretty soon.