Will breaking live rock into rubble rock have adverse effects on ammonia or nitrate?

[M0oN]

I need to bust up about 1/8 of my total rock to get the level down a bit in my refugium for installation of an auto top off system - it's all well cured and I'm wondering if busting it up is going to cause any notable spikes in ammonia or nitrate content?

In other words do I need to take any precautions?

[HighlandReefer]

As long as the rock has not been allowed to die (ie. not caring for it in storage), it should be ok. Dead algae or other organisms will brake down into ammonia, nitrate and phosphate. ;)

It is always possible if the rock at one time was kept in saltwater with high levels of phosphate or heavy metals, that the newly exposed rock surfaces could leach out some of these into your water column. If you are really concerned you could use a Poly-Filter to help take up any of these. :)

[M0oN]

Thanks Highland - everything seems to be fine. I do daily water changes rather than larger amounts weekly, so I think it will keep things normal :)

[HighlandReefer]

Your welcome.

Happy Reefing ;)