Base Rock Alive?

Hi All,

This might seem like a "dumb" question, but I really don't know...haha.

How can I tell if my base rock is turning live? It currently has small amounts of algae looking stuff growing on it, but I don't think that's a sign that it's live. How long does it usually take to turn?

Thanks!!

 

There isn't really a time factor, but as soon as bacteria begin to populate that rock, it in a sense becomes live. The older it is, a wider range of organism will take hold and live amongst the rock, given they were supplied of course. base rock needs to be "seeded" with some sort of live rock. With a new tank, within a year or more, it should be old enough to support a stable habitat.

Hope that sorta helped... A tad? lol

Of course, anyone correct me if they have a better explanation; which i am sure there are plenty!

 

Haha, a year?! Darn!! Guess mine is far from being live, then. I want it to turn so badly that I keep thinking I see "stuff" living on it.

Thanks for the response!

 

Well a year to keep a stable environment, but from day one bacteria began to colonize and acted as a natural filtration. Not to say you cant add anything until then. patience is key with this hobby and I would suggest taking it slow! lol

Best of Luck

 

simple answer

your base rock was turning live from the minute a source of nutrients was added and bacteria started to colonise it

rock becomes "live rock" even in the absence of the higher life forms that do ultimately colonise it

if you want purple/ pink encrusting coralline on your rocks , then the addition of some established live rock is beneficial

Steve

 

i put 19 lbs of live rock in my tank then aded another 6 of base rock the other day. i already had coralline on my other rock so i guess its jsut a matter of TIME!!!