Addition of LR in an established tank

I want to add a few small pieces (5 or 6 lbs) of live rock to my 90 gal. reef tank. My tank has been up and running since January of this year. I currently have a few stony corals, a few soft corals plus 2 Clowns, 1 Coral Beauty, 1 Six Line Wrasse and 1 Royal Gramma. The LR will be cured (Tonga or Fiji) from my LFS. I currently have approximately 90 lbs of LR that have been in my tank from the beginning. I need to raise my aquascape. I want to build up the back area a little. know I might experience a spike in ammonia and/or nitrite. How do I add this LR safely?

 

I add 3-5lbs often with no issues....also think when you buy a new coral on a rock....same thing.....no it does wepend on how clean your "new" LR is......
If "new" I do let it soak in fresh SW with a circ pump and no lights and rinse a few times...
I try to clean any sponges, macro's etc off...I even use a dental pic at times

 

+1 on that, i always look of aptasia and remove it.

 

If it is truely cured there should not be an issue. You could also do an ammonia test of the bucket of water if your worried its not fully cured.

 

With a tank that size, you shouldn't see any change from adding only 5 to 6 pounds of cured live rock.

 

Thanks everyone. Good answers, good advise. I feel much more confident adding the LR after hearing from you guys/gals.

 

My question is: why add liverock? If your tank is established why not just add dry base rock? I only add base rock to my tank now and it doesn't take more than a month or two before its covered in coralline. No bad hitch hikers on dry rock.

 

Good point Stepho. I'll consider that point while waiting to make my purchase at the LFS. Thank you.

 

i was thinking the same thing its alot chaep and you dont have to work about any spike in amionia or any pest