Adding More Rock - Dry or Live?

[Hiker4twenty]

I'm going to be setting up my 50g soon. I need to add about 30lbs of more rock. Do you think I should buy more LR or just add dry BR and let it turn live over time? I've spent a lot of money lately having to buy another skimmer and another ro/di system and don't want to spend another $100+ on rock.

 

[phuture1]

dry rock gets my vote.

 

[Hiker4twenty]

I was thinking of the dry rock route as well. Any idea on how long it will take to turn live?

 

[daugherty]

depends it will start to turn live as soon as you put it into the tank but at least a couple months until it starts getting any color

 

[dcantucson]

Go with dry rock. You won't risk any die off and it's cheaper.

 

[Hiker4twenty]

Then it's settled. I'm going with dry rock. I have roughly 45-50lbs of LR already and 30lbs sand. I'm thinking the dry rock should get seeded quickly.

 

[project5k]

yea, and not to mention that if you add the live rock, you could cause the tank to "crash" and take out some of the life that you already have established..... my vote is BR as well, cause its basically inert, and will only over time help your system, but wont cause too much of an imbalance now... if that makes sence...

 

[andysgirl8800]

I would also go with the dry rock, JMO.

 

[Hiker4twenty]

yea, and not to mention that if you add the live rock, you could cause the tank to "crash" and take out some of the life that you already have established..... my vote is BR as well, cause its basically inert, and will only over time help your system, but wont cause too much of an imbalance now... if that makes sence...

Yep, makes perfect sense. Thanks

 

[Rcpilot]

Dry rock is also SAFER. :D No nasty hitch hikers on dry rock.

When I build the new LPS tank, I'm going to use 100% dry rock. It will all seed during the cycle. I'm not getting in a hurry with the new LPS tank. I'm going to let it sit empty for months and months just so I can monitor my live rock and watch for pests.

 

[andysgirl8800]

Good plan RC

 

[Mog46g]

hey hiker i know that kid who is close to us selling LR for cheap... It may be a option??Call me and let me know...