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View Full Version : How to get this rock ready to go into a cycled tank?


Saltine
08/08/2015, 05:42 PM
So I am not happy with my current aqua cape

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/0c71c72386590c9df789af329a19fe3a.jpg

Needs more height.

Then I remembered I got this rock with a leaky tank 2 years ago.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/59dd39fa2c243a48fce3dd868408f266.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/d2768fcbc5500b5cec50fece6f5fb973.jpg

It's perfect. So my question is, this thing has been outside for 2 years I sprayed all the crap out of it, mostly dirt and a dead cockroach and living catapillar. How do I get it ready for my tank?

Lastly I think I will need to cut this out to make it fit. Is that a big deal??

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/b382b12cc594b340fe621a27697bced5.jpg

Thanks
Salt

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:06 PM
Looks like lava rock to me. I wouldn't put it in a reef tank. Its going to leach all types of things including heavy metals. It is a nice piece of rock though but only for a fish only tank.

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:08 PM
Have you looked at dry rock from macro rocks or amazon. Dry rocks are pretty cheap and there is no need to cycle them. Just give them a good wash and put them in.

http://www.marcorocks.com/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017JBX7M/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687502&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00F8DVAO4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BXAWE7NAW7BR6WN0QC9

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:09 PM
Was really hoping to utilize what I had ha. Guess I'll keep looking.

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:11 PM
Just to let you know, never cut your center brace. Your entire tank could explode if you do that.

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:13 PM
Thanks ya I think it would fit without. It sounds like most lava rock is fine but some could leach heavy metals. I'm in the risk taking business I may go for it.

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:22 PM
Maybe not, more negative thoughts then positive on it haha.
Thanks for the help

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:28 PM
If your going to use it I would go through the lanthunum chloride method to rid it of phosphate at least.

You will want to buy this.http://www.amazon.com/SeaKlear-Phosphate-Treatment-Solution-1-Quart/dp/B008UMF93I/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1439079778&sr=8-12&keywords=seaklear

I know it says its for pools but people have used it in their tanks to lower phosphate. Basically what you want to do is put the rock in a Rubbermaid container with saltwater. Let it sit for a week then dose a capful of seaklear. You will want repeat adding the capful every day until the phosphate level reaches zero without any lanthanum added.

Never dose this directly to your tank there is a whole other process to use this for lowering phosphate in your tank.

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:28 PM
What size tank is it?

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:29 PM
Sounds like coral doesn't do well growing on it period. Unfortunate since it's a beautiful rock.

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:30 PM
36 gallon

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:34 PM
Look at this its 25lbs which is all you would need with what you already have. Only 40$ pretty cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Florida-Base-Rock-Aprox-25Lbs/dp/B00FNWTGLO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1439080324&sr=8-4&keywords=dry+rock

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:37 PM
Awesome thanks. Trying to source something locally but this is a pretty good deal. May just go with it.

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:38 PM
What are your thoughts on sourcing my own? My parents live in the intercostal and we always visit the islands around there that usually have tons just sitting around. Some dead some live. I would stick to the dry dead rock inland.

whosurcaddie
08/08/2015, 06:43 PM
That would be ideal. You just want to make sure that its calcium carbonate rock. Be sure to understand the laws about collecting rock from habitats like that. I know some places will fine you pretty heavily if your caught.

Saltine
08/08/2015, 06:45 PM
Awesome thanks!

Saltine
08/09/2015, 11:54 AM
Got it looked at by my local LFS they said its lace rock! Yeah!