Replacing Rock?

So I have had my tank set up for about a year now (JBJ 28 gallon). When I first set it up, I did not know about 3reef and used whatever Live Rock my LFS had at the time! Now that I have explored a little, I see that there are many options. I look around the forums and see a lot of people using dry rock with lots of holes in it. Mine just look like rocks haha. With all that being said, I am interested in slowly replacing my rock in my tank. Would it be ok to do this? Would there be a mini-cycle? I have a remora skimmer set up on the back, but no filter (wouldn't fit with the skimmer).

Thanks!

 

It would be very hard/impossible to switch out the rock in your tank. It would require curing the new rock(if it's live) and replacing the DT rock one at a time.

 

i wanted to replace my current rock with base rock.

 

If you have room and just want to add new base rock that's fine and shouldn't cause an issue other than maybe some diatoms. If you wanted you could cycle base rock in a rubbermaid bin with just a simple powerhead and heater, then replace the rock. It would be a pita but it can be done.

 

If you want to use dry rock to replace what you currently have, that's the best course of action IME and IMO.

Dry rock will not cause a cycle as long as it is washed thoroughly!(you don't know where it's been or what's on it) There are many online retailers that sell excellent rock and will ship it. I tend to use a local, but I'm in FL and his rock is the best I have ever seen, he does ship too. (he also is the only one to ship LR in water!)

Once you get the rock you want these are the steps I use and haven't had an issue yet. It is a slow replacing process, because I don't cure it, just washed and slowly replace over a few weeks.

Using a tap water/bleach solution I soak the rock for a few hours then rinse and scrub while rinsing. A long bristled brush does best to get down in the pores. I then soak the rock in a white vinegar/tap water solution for a few hours and repeat the process of rinsing and scrubbing. Allow the rock to dry in the sun for a few days to evaporate all the bleach and tap water. Then rinse and scrub with RO water 2 times allowing the rock to dry in between. Let the rock fully dry, and make sure it doesn't smell like bleach. Final rinse in RO water and then into the tank a couple pieces at a time. You have to realize you are removing LR and it's filtration properties so you want to do it a little at a time. I just added some today that I washed like this.

HTH

 

thanks for the replies! I will look into getting some base rock then, and follow those instructions. Where is a good place to get base rock? i sees website thrown around here a lot but I can't remember it for the life of me.

 

Bulk reef supply has great rock as does reef cleaners (.org)

 

Marco rocks it's great!!! If it's Barry then it won't be a problem as long as you do it over the period of time.

 

reefcleaners is a forum sponsor so that's always highly recommended and they always have great reviews. Marco rock is highly recommended in the reef community as well. I personally will be getting my rock for a large tank from tbsaltwater

 

i think I may go with reef cleaners because of their free shipping deal (only need about 30 pounds in the end), and I have dealt with them before when ordering my CUC. They have great customer service!