base rock vs live rock

whats the difference between base live rock and regular live rock? Might sound stupid... which do i buy?

 

The rock that is "live" already has the beneficial bacteria needed for the nitrogen cycle. Base rock is simply live rock that is dead...no beneficial bacteria. A lot of us here will get the dry base rock from somewhere like Bulk Reef Supply, then obtain a few pieces of "live" rock to seed the base rock. Once you have a few pieces of live rock the base raock will become "live". Hope this helps you out!

 

if i just get all base rock, and start my nitrogen cycle, by the end of the cycle, it will all become live rock without the need of seeding, correct? Or do i need to seed the cycle with LR? I'm in no rush and don't mind waiting 6 weeks or so for the cycle to complete.

 

I'm not 100% sure on that but I think you need to seed it with Live sand or atleast 1 or 2 pieces of Live rock to introduce the benficial bacteria but I could be totally wrong on this one. You can prob. start with just base rock ect. but it may take a lot longer for the bacteria to colonize...I'm sure a more experienced reefer will chime in to verify.

 

no need, start with all dry sand and dry base rock. If you can get it from a friend or LFS add about 1 cup of sand from an established reef tank and sprinkle it all around on top of the dry sand, add 1 med raw shrimp to the mix and let cycle for 6 to 8 weeks.

worked for me anyway

 

how long do you leave the shrimp in?

 

till it's gone
many of us use this method instead of adding a damsel fish that is hard to catch later if you dont want it in the tank or dont want to torture it in the tank with excessive ammonia and nitrites.