Base Rock........alternatives To Lr?

[woody88]

Hi guys!.....I would like to increase the amount of rock in my tank. [28 G]. I currently have around 15kg of LR in but I would like to add to this. Maybe another 4 - 5kg would do.
I dont really want to buy LR as its just too expensive, so could I use ocean rock, as I have loads of it, has'nt been used before.
The rock, would only be used as a base mainly to lift the my lr up more to reach the top of the water line as I want to create a rock wall up the back of the tank.

Most of the rock is quite porous, so could it sustain life?

Would it blend in with the lr in time [coraline etc]?

And most importantly, would it upset my water params [create amm spike etc]?
Or throw the tank into a mini cycle. [the tank is 3 yr old so well established]

Like I said, the rock has'nt been used before [to my knowledge] and it will recieve one hell of a good scrub before its entered into the tank.

I have added pics of some pieces of the rock below to give you an idea of what its like.

I bought the rock off ebay, and the seller said it is ocean/malawi rock that can be used in marine or freshwater setups.

Thanks guys!

 

[woody88]

Anyone!...............

I have some free time tomorrow so would like to do it then but I need advice first!..............pretty please!

 

[sorgan]

You can use that stuff as base rock and it will in time become somewhat live BUT don't just stick it in your tank.
It will need a good soak in RO and then in salt water to remove any lurking chemicals and pollutants.

 

[woody88]

You can use that stuff as base rock and it will in time become somewhat live BUT don't just stick it in your tank.
It will need a good soak in RO and then in salt water to remove any lurking chemicals and pollutants.

Thanks for the reply mate. how long exactly is a good soak.

I was gonna scrub each piece in a bucket of salt water (table salt) and then blast it off with a pressure washer like I did when I used it for my trop tank.

 

[sorgan]

That's a very good question and the answer is..... As long as it takes!
You will need to run a phosphate remover and you will need to keep testing untill you have zero pollutants. Lots of effort but worth it when it keeps your wallet fat(ish)

Some people use acid aswell but I can't say the idea of acid+tank works for me.

 

[woody88]

That's a very good question and the answer is..... As long as it takes!
You will need to run a phosphate remover and you will need to keep testing untill you have zero pollutants. Lots of effort but worth it when it keeps your wallet fat(ish)

Thanks mate, I will do it your way. It sounds the safest!........but looks like I won't be doing tomorrow after all, as I need RO water and a big enough tub to put the rock in, remover and a powerhead to mix it.

Is there a chance I could get a spike or mini cycle.......if the rock is clean after testing?

 

[sorgan]

Nah wouldn't of said so unless you get one from disturbing the sand, just get a bottle of prime from seachem to detoxify if you happen to get a spike but TBH I wouldn't worry about it.

Ps if you have a range near you they stock a lovely 80lt plastic box that makes a great soaking tub/QT/refugium all for £9

 

[woody88]

Nah wouldn't of said so unless you get one from disturbing the sand, just get a bottle of prime from seachem to detoxify if you happen to get a spike but TBH I wouldn't worry about it.

Ps if you have a range near you they stock a lovely 80lt plastic box that makes a great soaking tub/QT/refugium all for £9

Cheers mate!....looks like a job for the weekend!...........Could I use tap water with salt, If I tested daily to make sure there were no nasties in there, and if so, could I still, or should use phos remover?

Sorry for all the q's mate, just want to be absolutley certain on things!

 

[sorgan]

Don't use tap water as it will just add nitrates and silicates into the rock, RO is always the way to go.
Don't use salty water to start with as the salt isn't needed so save your pennies.

 

[woody88]

Don't use tap water as it will just add nitrates and silicates into the rock, RO is always the way to go.
Don't use salty water to start with as the salt isn't needed so save your pennies.

Thanks for your help mate! Cheers!............................er!....end of topic, I guess! Lol

 

[rdp50734]

Why noy buy LR from aquarist or another reefer whoose selling See here http/www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail102_206163.php

 

[woody88]

Why noy buy LR from aquarist or another reefer whoose selling See here http/www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail102_206163.php

Cheers mate!.............,I keep forgetting about that site! Doh!

 

[rdp50734]

Might as well get LR for the time it takes to get the base rock good, and at £5 KG its cheap enough. Make him an offer hes ok I had a few corals off him! No 4 and 9 for £40.
I might have his gramma and wrasse next week.

 

[woody88]

Might as well get LR for the time it takes to get the base rock good, and at £5 KG its cheap enough. Make him an offer hes ok I had a few corals off him! No 4 and 9 for £40.
I might have his gramma and wrasse next week.

Oi!.......I had my eye on that Royal lol!........My lfs only have false ones in at any time!

 

[rdp50734]

If you want it your welcome to it. I shouldn't be buying more yet anyway! I'm keeping my cash for a sohal or clown tang.