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View Full Version : Can I take liverock out of my tank w/o causing a cycle?

StephLionfish
09/02/2011, 08:08 PM
I have a 20g Long, and there's a big rock in the tank I'd like to take out. ( to make the scape more open) The problem is, is that it's a reef, and I don't want the tank to cycle when I take the rock out... I'm not sure how many lbs the rock is, but it's about the size of four fists...

So, can I take the rock out of my tank?
aecasasus
09/02/2011, 08:16 PM
Just take it out? If so, go ahead!
Curious George
09/02/2011, 08:17 PM
I think this depends on a few things:

1. Bio-load
2. How many lbs of rock remaining
3. Kind of filtration

Can you just take the large piece of rock, break it up, and rearrange using the pieces of rock? This way you won't reduce the bio-filter.
sporto0
09/02/2011, 08:20 PM
I think this depends on a few things:

1. Bio-load
2. How many lbs of rock remaining
3. Kind of filtration

Can you just take the large piece of rock, break it up, and rearrange using the pieces of rock? This way you won't reduce the bio-filter.

+1 Excellent idea George!
StephLionfish
09/02/2011, 08:37 PM
HOB filter, one 1" long Clarkii Clownfish, one turbo snail, LPS and Softies, not sure on lbs of rock...maybe like, 10 lbs? ( and that's an absolute guess ). Here's a kind-of-old picture of the tank....

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g339/Stephnp023/P8200002.jpg

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g339/Stephnp023/P8200001.jpg

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g339/Stephnp023/P8200002-1.jpg

It was " Clean the glass day"...so excuse the "mess"

Still kind of working on the tank...I'm considering a 10g sump, but I haven't had problems with the HOB filter... and I'm going to add a power head or two. I just want that rock out to make it look open and for better flow.
Curious George
09/03/2011, 05:04 AM
Thanks Steve =-)


Neat tank you have there Steph. I like the pics. In that case, I would take it out. I think you will be ok.
StephLionfish
09/03/2011, 11:37 AM
Thanks!
StephLionfish
09/03/2011, 10:02 PM
Should I do a water change after I take it out? I'm sure stuff will start making the water cloudy..
AndyH5512
09/04/2011, 10:58 AM
You have enough LR in there that taking the indicated piece out should not cause any issues. You will need to add a small amount of water anyway, as the rock is currently displacing that water volume. So if you want to do a change, just take the rock out first, and then figure out how much water to remove and replace. Piece of cake!