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View Full Version : Texas holey rock in a reef tank?


Sgt Jonny Cat
03/09/2015, 07:25 PM
Hi all...I was wondering if anyone has used Texas holey rock in their reef tanks? From what I have read some people say it can leech phosphates into the tank. Others say they use it and have no problems. I'm currently dosing nopox and my nutrients are almost non existent. I just don't want to mess with it if it will cause a bunch of problems. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks...

RocketEngineer
03/09/2015, 08:20 PM
The Texas holey rock i got was very sharp and not porous at all. Based on personal experience, I recommend reef based dry rock like Pukani (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-pukani-dry-aquarium-live-rock-e1ff36b97044a1c7c73c73e4d27aeba4.html) or even Fiji (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-fiji-dry-aquarium-live-rock.html). I went with Pukani and really liked the forms. It does need a thorough cleaning as there is all sorts of dried stuff in the rock. Combined with quality seed rock and you should be good to go.

Timfish
03/09/2015, 08:27 PM
I use it in all my tanks:

http://youtu.be/KhcRz50cV0s

http://youtu.be/_Uf5IyXvajg

http://youtu.be/-eCQSVdqBQA

Azedenkae
03/09/2015, 08:29 PM
Hi all...I was wondering if anyone has used Texas holey rock in their reef tanks? From what I have read some people say it can leech phosphates into the tank. Others say they use it and have no problems. I'm currently dosing nopox and my nutrients are almost non existent. I just don't want to mess with it if it will cause a bunch of problems. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks...

Well people say 'normal' live rock can leech phosphates as well... so I doubt that it is a problem.

Texas holey rock seems to not be anywhere near as porous as 'normal' live rock, but if you have something else as your main biological filtration media, then it doesn't really matter.

Reef Frog
03/09/2015, 10:15 PM
Porous rock is a huge advantage IMO. Specific bacteria will eventually colonize these tiny interior spaces, and this is the bacteria that processes the nitrate into nitrogen gas. My 4-5 year old Fiji is very porous and despite heavy feeding, nitrates are low always, with no artificial removal techniques needed.

Porous rock also provides a superior habitat for micro life. Small fish also sleep in the larger holes.

Sgt Jonny Cat
03/10/2015, 05:54 AM
Thanks guys...I have about 50 pounds of live rock in there but I have a good size piece I want to use to fill a space because I like the way it looks with the holes and shelves etc. So I guess it should be good to go. I have it in tank water with heat and a power head now. I figure it should cure in there for a while before going in the ta k....thanks guys

billdogg
03/10/2015, 06:17 AM
It's not my primary rock, but like you, there's a couple pieces that I used because of the size, shape, and all the already made tunnels.