Live Rock

[bvillalta]

I just recently took down my 30 gallon saltwater tank and transferred all my live rock, corals, and livestock into a 14 gal. bio-cube. Now I was able to transfer almost all of my live rock into the cube, except for this one big piece. This big piece is covered in purple and has been in my 30 gallon tank for over 2 years now. So its had some time to develop nicely.

My question is, would it be alright to break this big piece into smaller pieces so that I may fit this rock into more accessible spots? It would be a shame for me to have to trash this piece just because it doesn't fit. I was also thinking of using some of the fragments to propagate some corals. Any help is always appreciated!!

 

[AK77]

Shouldn't be a problem. Just try not to keep it out of the water too long or get it contaminated with anything where you break it.

I'm not sure of the best method to do it, as I've never attempted it before myself, but putting it in a hessian sack and slamming it into the concrete might work, depending on how "brittle" the rock is. Other than that, a sledge hammer or if possible an SDS drill might do the trick. Either way, make sure you wear some eye protection, in case you get projectiles coming off it,

 

[STD]

Breaking live rock is really easy

Hammer and chisel works a treat

 

[bvillalta]

Thanks so much for the advice! I will definitely try out these methods for breaking the rock.

I did keep it out of water for about a full day, but then I realized that I could possibly save it so I put it back in water in my old tank. Keep in mind this water has been without filtration for a few days now and I left it outside in my back patio. I definitely wouldnt say its the cleanest water but then again it still came from my old tank which was pretty well maintained. The tank has been kept covered as well just to make sure nothing falls inside. With that being said, do you think the rock has become contaminated? If so, is there a way to clean it before putting it back in my new tank?

 

[_daniel]

While the rock may not be contaminated, there will definately be a lot of die-off. Watch for the cycle when you place it in your new tank.