Tips for adding live rock

I have a 55g tank that is approximately 3 weeks into it's cycle. Details are in my signature.

I am purchasing 60-80 lbs. of formerly live rock tomorrow. Can someone advise me on the steps I need to take for adding this rock. I will be removing the cheesy decorations I currently have, but possibly keeping some acorn barnacles that are now in the tank.

Thanks in advance.

 

i'm not sure that i understand the question. are you asking if adding the rock will start another cycle or are you asking for tips on how to stack the rock? so this is dry base rock?

 

Bare white base rock or crusty dried on base rock???

If former you can add however you please, if later a nuke followed by a vinegar/water bath might be in order.

There are 3reefers (myself not included) who can guide you through the nuke process.

 

Rinse the rock well!
I would draw a picture of how you would like the rock to look in the tank(ie. island, atoll formation) before placing in your tank to get a visualization beforehand to help you with the aquascaping.
Take in account fish(hiding places and home) and coral placement.You may want to PLACE THE ROCK ON EGGCRATE to reduce the amount of advection and diffusion taking place.

 

Sorry for the vague posting. This is rock that was formerly live, as the person I'm buying it from does not have their tank setup anymore. It is dried in a Rubbermaid bin. I'm told it is mostly Fiji rock, with some larger pieces of base rock and branch rock (no sure what that is).

I'm just wondering if there is anything I need to do before I add it to the tank, and also anything I need to do when I add it.

I can post pics if it tomorrow when I pick it up.

 

I actually thought of setting it up on my porch first to figure out how I want it designed, then take a picture for reference. I've never set up a sw tank so any tips on setting the rock design up is appreciated.

Can you explain the egg crate idea further please?

 

Basically the eggcrate idea is nothing more than placing eggcrate down in your substrate and place the rock on top of it. What this does is not only increases the surface area of your substrate and rock but reduces advection and diffusion which are processes which allow detritus to collect within and under your live rock. This increases nutrient levels, and elevated nitrate issues causing husbandry issues to say the least.

 

So the eggcrate is placed in the substrate, the rock placed on top. Wouldn't detritus still get under the rocks, but just collect in the "holes" of the eggcrate?

Are you just using empty eggcrates from the store, or is there a special type to use? I'd be afraid ink from it would leech out into the water, or over time it would break down in the water.

 

It is easier to remove though and suspend in your water column for removal.

 

If I already have sand in my tank, do I just place the eggcrate on top of the sand, or should I move the sand out of the way, place the eggcrate down, put rocks on top, and fix the sand back up?

(Just figured out what the eggcrates actually are!!!)