Live Rock Vs. Dry Base Rock

I would actually have to disagree with this, based on my experience using both methods.
My 40 gallon was set up and cycled using both live sand and cured live rock from the LFS. It took 6 weeks to cycle.
When I set up my 200 gallon, I used dry base rock with dry base sand. I added 1 cup of sand from my 40 gallon, and the tank was done cycling in 4 1/2 weeks.

 

That's very surprising, Pack. What do you suppose is the explanation for such an ocurrance? If I were answering, "Which would cycle a tank faster?" .. .and my two choices were: a) start with dry rock and dry sand, and add a cup of seed sand, or; b) use all cured LR and LS--the answer would be a no brainer. The second scenario should cycle in record time. Wouldn't you agree? Any scenario under which the "dry" method would yield a faster cycle seems implausible. Wouldn't your first impression be the same? :-/

I would comment, though--that given the exponential growth rate of bacteria, perhaps the answer lies in the fact that there's a vastly greater amount of surface area in a 200G tank on which bacteria may colonize; compared to a 40G tank.

 

just a tip on live rock...dont go cheap on it. the rock will be a substantial portion of what you see and have to deal with. Dont get a rock that looks like a brick because it is cheap, if you are going to throw down a ton of money on an aquarium, make sure the most noticeable part doesnt look bad.

 

I thin there is a lot more to cycling than meets the eye.

I would say, that with fully cured live rock and live sand, you start the cycle, put your one little damsel in there or whatever, your going to have 80% of all that bacteria die off. Just not enough waste to support it. Then its all got to catch back up with each other and re-establish itself.
That's why, like when you suggest the 200 has more surface area, that really doesn't matter. Cycling is just establishing the bacteria to break down the available waste.

 

live or dead????? lol. Lots of great info here. glad that i stumbled on this post. im in the same shoes as i am starting a my first tank. like what i hear about BR. "you" say it takes longer going DR and DS meaning the inital cycle will just take longer and spike will be more gradual than if to go with live everything.

great post. great site. great advice from all. Rally gets you fired up to get into this hobby

 

Bump -- reviving dead, dead rock thread ;-)

I was wondering what experiences anyone had with MarcoRocks? From what I have seen, it looks very light and porous and looks like it would make a very beautiful aquascape. When I start my 75 gallon reef, I think I am leaning toward it, along with a small amount of Live Sand and a small amount of quality live rock to seed it.

I have read all of the justifications, I was just wondering if anyone out there had any testimonials for doing it this way?

OP, are you still out there? If so, how did it go for you?

Thanks.

 

Actually, some LFS sell live copepods. You can buy a bottle of copepods and introduce them to your tank when it's established. They're around 15-20 dollars a bottle, but it comes with thousands of copepods. I bet you can find it online somewhere too.

 

Very nice. I was wondering if there was a way to buy little "hitch-hiker" packs (if you will) (for the lack of a better term) that could help seed the marco rock.

For some reason, I really like the look of that Marco Rock, and really, really like the idea of not getting all the bad guys from the live rock. And When I make my reef tank, I don't care if it takes 6 months to cycle as long as the end result is good.

thanks guys.

 

if you think you might get away with no pests with dry rock well. your right but put one infected coral in you tank and it will be no differnt, just thought i would let you know my 2 cent worth
good luck on your tank

 

this thread is really old and a zombie, but It was a typo I meant aren't too hard to buy