[wmuTim]

50Gal Bow
Yellow Tang
Blue chromis
Cleaner shrimp


Hey everyone! Right now I have bout 20lbs of liverock in the tank. Its been running since the end of may and is cycled. I would like to add more liverock. Is this a bad idea to keep adding here and there. Obviously small amounts at a time?

[swinginbeef]

You should probably concider cycling the rock for a month or so in a bucket or something. Even if it's supposed to be 'cycled live rock', chances are you'll still get a little bit of dieoff and have a small ammonia spike and subsequent cycle. Better safe then sorry.

[Dustin1300]

I've added a few here and there since I did not have all the money for the initial investment...But all my parameters are great and if you do have an ammonia spike just do a partial water change right after adding the new rock...Maybe the next day or something, I'm not a professional but I've been trying to learn MORE and MORE everyday here...If I'm wrong, PLEASE CORRECT ME!

[wmuTim]

Thanks for the feedback!
What about adding 5-10 lbs at a time & some ammonia detox on my waterchanges every 3 weeks or so?

[Dustin1300]

I would say if your buying the rock from your LFS like myself the ammonia detox is not needed...personally stay away from chemicals. Anyways, not much will die in a 30 minute trip so ammonia will probably not spike...This is the advice from me (Dustin1300), NOT A PROFESSIONAL...

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I would suggest you let it cycle in a buck for a week or so with a small power head.And please dont put that ammo loc or anything like it in the tank.The rule on that is,If you cant test for it dont put it in the tank.

[Kevin W]

5-10 lbs of live rock in a 50 gal would be ok as long as you don't buy some rock that looks dirty like uncycled rock. where are you buying your LR from? If its a LFS what type of tank do they have there LR in? My LFS has a 180 gal full of live rock and its piped into 2-200 gal reef tanks that they sell there corals out of.

[wmuTim]

There are a few LFS that I can choose from. The best is located in Green Bay which would be a 40 min transport. A couple stores that have 30 + smaller tanks hooked to each other. Also Petco has a decent size selection, however I am apprehensive about buying from there.?.

[Dustin1300]

It really is up to you, but whenever my LFS gets a nice looking rock with lots of coraline I cant pass it up...ITS AN ADDICTION that all you know about.

[Dustin1300]

I just try to bring my gf along so she can keep me half way in check but whenever she is not around is when I really buy the more expensive corals/fish/rocks...What she does not know will not hurt her!!!

[Kevin W]

Originally Posted by Dustin1300

I just try to bring my gf along so she can keep me half way in check but whenever she is not around is when I really buy the more expensive corals/fish/rocks...What she does not know will not hurt her!!!

HAHAHA.... Amen brother!!

[e_baer]

Yes, I would definately consider getting that LR into a bucket, even if it is only for a few days just to make sure there is no die off, and no spike. better to be safe than sorry. Ive been sorry too many times...

[wmuTim]

I will definitely go with the bucket and power head idea.

One of the LFS guys told me he uses a turkey baster every once in awhile to clean the rock.?. Feedback on that? I know the LR acts as a natural filter.

[Dustin1300]

I go over my live rock with a brush every couple weeks to keep it looking nice and prestine but as my tank matures I find myself not having to do it so often...which less maintenence is better, more time for other maintence...