Live Rock vs. Base Rock

[aj2494]

One of my LFS's has base rock for $2 per lb. The guy I talked to said it is cured, but just doesn't have as much coralline algae on it as what they sell as live rock. If I stock my 14 gallon tank with 15lbs of base rock and 5lbs of really nice live rock, how long will it take until I can add snails, fish, etc. to a brand new tank?

[jrp1588]

Sometimes base rock isn't shaped as nicely as LR either, other than that, it should be fine. Wait for your tank to finish cycling. Should take around a month

[albano]

One of my LFS's has base rock for $2 per lb. The guy I talked to said it is cured, but just doesn't have as much coralline algae on it as what they sell as live rock. If I stock my 14 gallon tank with 15lbs of base rock and 5lbs of really nice live rock, how long will it take until I can add snails, fish, etc. to a brand new tank?
Cycles vary! (even 'cured' rock, may cycle again). The base rock is a good idea, eventually you won't be able to tell it from the 'premium' rock. put all the rock in the tank, and within a few weeks, you should be good to go (TEST all params)

[kimber45]

Cycles vary! (even 'cured' rock, may cycle again). The base rock is a good idea, eventually you won't be able to tell it from the 'premium' rock. put all the rock in the tank, and within a few weeks, you should be good to go (TEST all params)

+1

i like to use mostly base rock and seed it with a few pieces of live.

live rock has lots of good hitchhikers on it but unfortunately it has lots of bad ones also. now i'm a lot more careful what i introduce into my tank.

i'd plan on 4-6 weeks to add cuc and fish closer to 6-8 weeks.

[aj2494]

What if I used 10 lbs of each? Would that shorten the period?

[wooden_reefer]

What if I used 10 lbs of each? Would that shorten the period?

I hate to have to tell you so.

Anyone who is overly concerned about the time it takes to cycle is likley not very suited temperamentally for this hobby.

Cycling is a very easy and routine thing, especially in QT and disease control of fish.

[jrp1588]

Yeah, unfortunately the hobby takes time. Though, more LR certainly wouldn't hurt cycling time. I know the pain of waiting. My fish have been in QT for almost 2 months now because of an ich outbreak. They are finally going back in today. The wait has been excruciating