Live rock advice needed

[dfm34]

I am upgrading my 55 to a 140 I bought an extra 100# of cured rock which has been sitting in a tub in my garage. I have filled the 140 half way and was thinking of adding the new rock to the tank tonight and leave a power head on for circulation. I figure it will be the same as being in the tub? I will not be transferring the live stock from the 55 for two weeks as I will be away all next week.

Will leaving the LR in the 140 without filtration cause a problem like a cycle or anything else?

Thanks for the help

 

[concept3]

yes it will. you want to have some kind of water movement and some kind of filtration if possible. live rock contains both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and lack of circulation may lead to anoxia.

 

[CaptainAhab]

I guess I disagree to some extent. If the rock is truly cured then there won't be any excess proteins being created as there won't be any livestock in the tank. The issue is with feeding the bacteria that has formed (assuming your interested in keeping it; when you add the existing 50lb from the other tank you will have enough bacteria to support your current livestock). You could drop a raw shrimp to feed the tank while you're gone Again trusting that the rock is truly cured. If it's not.. then P-U

I'd add a heater and another powerhead at least. Make sure there isn't enough evaporation over the 2 weeks to expose the rock (and cause a mini) and be prepared for a good size WPC when you get back.

In the end, IMO, no difference between your tub and your tank.

 

[dfm34]

Thanks I am leaving this Sat will return next Sat so I will be gone for one week. When I get back I will test the water if I have no Ammonia, trites or trates I will doe the transfer? Does this sound correct?

Thanks again

Dan

 

[CaptainAhab]

If it's truly fully cured then you'll need to feed it while you're gone. Put a small raw shrimp or some food in a nylon bag. or dose with some ammonia before you go.

 

[DaveK]

I am upgrading my 55 to a 140 I bought an extra 100# of cured rock which has been sitting in a tub in my garage. I have filled the 140 half way and was thinking of adding the new rock to the tank tonight and leave a power head on for circulation. I figure it will be the same as being in the tub? I will not be transferring the live stock from the 55 for two weeks as I will be away all next week.
...

Well, maybe... You usually want the rock to cure someplace else other than the main tank. This is because the process of curing rock will usually producr a high nitrate level. While the rock can reduce that in time, it's going to risk an algae outbreak.

Since you are going away, and since you would not have circulation in the new tank, I recommend you just leave things alone. There is no need to force the issue here, and you will not be around to correct a problem if something really goes bad.

 

[Reefers]

Live rock is just that, live, it does need circulation while you are gone. Providing circulation will allow the rock itself to act as a filter, which is why we have live rock in our reefs in the first place. No circulation will cause die off on the rock and will present problems when you return. Treat the rock as if it was in your tank, throw a heater in the tub along with a couple of strong powerheads adn you'll be fine.