Base rock into live rock

I'm starting a new 300 gallon FOWLR tank and I'm almost ready to add the sand and rock.

1st: I was going to use dead rock/base rock since this is a new tank and I don't need to spend the money on live rock when this dead/base rock will turn in to live rock after it cycles.......right?

2nd: what is the best/nicest looking dead/base rock to use?

3rd: do I need to clean the dead/base rock before putting it in the tank?


Thanks for all the help!!!!

 

good luck

 

I second reef cleaners rock. It is quite nice. Some people like pukani more it just depends on personal preference.

Yes you have to rinse the rock before you put in to get the dust off.

 

Agree with Peredhil, all "live rock" means is that the rock has denitrifying bacteria on it. You can get "base rock" in almost any form. My personal favorite is Fiji rock, but that may be harder to come by right now. Bulkreefsupply.com also sells various types of base rock, so you should check them out.

 

It becomes live as part of the cycle.
Rinse the dry rock off in a gallon or 2 of fresh RO/DI water.

www.marcorocks.com
www.reefcleaners.org
www.bulkreefsupply.com

Are all excelent sources of quality base rock.

OH Yeah, one last thought....

 

Rock becomes live when BOTH nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria populate and and begin to grow on and in the rock, followed by a plethora of diverse animals and algaes such as microcrustaceans, polychaete worms, sponges, foraminferans, green, red, golden algae, diatoms and the list goes on and on...
What do you plan on using to get your tank up and running cycling wise?
You may want to place a few pounds of "uncured" rock in your tank to establish that, or you can try a piece of frozen cocktail shrimp or even a hardy fish like a Damsel fish.
Good luck.