seeding base rock

[scumonkey]

I have about 135 lbs of fantastic base rock from Reeferrocks.
I want to seed it with live rock from the Marshall islands.
Will 35 to 40 lbs be enough to do this? :confused:

[Travis L. Stevens]

Yes, you could put 1lb of rock in there and be fine.

[scumonkey]

These rocks are full of holes- just can't tell from this photo- the flash washed them out. The pile is 33 inches across, 20" deep and 27 inches tall!http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/127214rocks.jpg

[scaryperson27]

The less live rock you have, the longer it takes for the base rock to become live.

[scumonkey]

so how long would be a good guesstimate (assuming all my water parameters are right), for the amount of time for seeding to be reasonably accomplished- ie: covered with coraline?

[Travis L. Stevens]

It usually takes roughly 6 months to notice any good, outward signs of base rock colonization. As it was said, the less you have the long it takes, but any amount will do. There is no rule of thumb. Really, it's not going to matter much because bacteria, the real natural filters of the rock, will reproduce exponentially.

[vanmo92]

yes the less live rock you put in the slower it will go so the 30 lbs you were planning on would be what I recommend.