Marco's Rock

I have about 40 lbs of dry rock and sand arriving at the end of the week for my new tank. I have ready of people having problems with algea spikes because the rock has been sitting for so long that it leaches phosphates? I intended to pick up about 10-15 lbs of live rock from my lfs to add to the dry rock this weekend to get the cycle going? Should I wait? Has anyone heard of this? I know the rock naturally leaches compounds into the water, but since it's the Key Largo I thought it was safe.

 

put it into a tub with salt water and a power head and heater. leave it in there for a while see if it causes an algae outbreak. lol

 

I added about 30 lbs of dry rock to my tank after it was cycled and I didn't have any spikes. I know some leech phosphates but mine never did.

Is the tank cycled?

 

I've never had spikes from Marco Rocks. Bulk Reef's Pukani is DIRTY rock...but nice to start a tank with.

 

ive never heard of this. As long as you give em a good power wash with the hose, let it dry, you should be fine.

I also take my compressor and blast air into the holes to get water and debris out.
My rock is similar to Marco Rock.

 

Thanks everyone, the tank is not cycled, the only thing currently in it is my salt water. I'll be adding the rocks and sand this weekend. I never thought I would be so excited to get a shipment of rocks and sand

 

If its not cycled then I wouldn't worry abt it. Add as much as you want to a cycling tank. If you do have a phosphate spike just put chemipure elite into your hob filter

 

Awesome, I was really nervous that I'd have to stare at an empty tank for a few more weeks, at least the rock will be something to stare at until I can add some critters :

 

I'm in the same boat as you bowe. Yet I'm excited to go pick out a tank this weekend... After that it will be a stand and sump build. I'll try to get the rock and sand to play with aquascapes while building the stand.

I also heard of rock that has been formed by the release of gas pockets created by the decay of living organisms. These rocks need extensive curing to make it aquarium safe, and even then it still has a tendency to leach phosphates over time.(reefrocks.com)

such claims make me worry. Never know, live rock you buy could be formed this way.. <shrug>

Good luck with your build. I look forward to seeing some pictures.

 

You're tank won't effectively cycle without rock. Add it now.