Moving live rock

Any do's and don'ts to moving my live rock around? I don't think I have enough nooks and crannies, and would like to make the reef a little higher in the tank. I don't want crabby fish, though, if I move their "furniture" around! (I don't have any coral or plants, just some algae and snails stuck to the rock)

 

I've moved my rocks around plenty of times, the fish were not really that bothered. They seem happier now as there are more caves and holes for them to swim through.

 

You should be ok as long as you do not stir up the sand bed too badly (if you have one).

Just make sure that you use gloves if you have bristleworms in there.

One thing about live rock though is that it NEVER turns out like you picture it in your head if you are moving it around in the tank. The only way to do that is to build it outside the tank and drill holes for fiberglass rods so it stays put.

Have fun!

 

yea if you have any sensative fish dont sterr up the sand bed especially if you have nitrate.. and try doing a 10-20% water change right after.

 

Why do you say try not to stir up the sand because of the nitrate?


I am just wondering because I recently lost 2 fish after completing a water change - and stirring of sand may have caused a problem.

 

It can easily cause an ammonia spike since you are basically just stirring up wastes that have not yet broken down to nitrates.

 

I'm (right this very moment) waiting for my sand bed to settle down. Earlier I took out about 70lbs of rock and built a few higher structures and larger passages for the powder blue tang i'm getting tomorrow. I added about 40 lbs of marine sand over the live sand. All's I can say is do the water change as long as it's been 7-10 days since the last one, and remove the sensitive organisms. My clown is swimming around like it's nothing but he's smart enough to linger near the top of the tank. Also, leave few small hiding spots. You can't get out dead or sick fish if they're under a rock which is under heavier rock...ya know? man marine sand looks friggin amazing in the tank though... awhhwww...!!!!! Don't crush any fish or snails in the process.