Base rock from the beach

[skiguy411]

I am at a beach in North Carolina right now. Yesterday when the tide was low, I noticed some really nice rocks that I thought I could use as base rock for my 30 gal tank. So I took a couple and left them on the shore to get later.

Is there anything I should do with these rocks before placing them in the tank (which is about 3 hours away)? I suppose I would need to cure them.

Also I found some really neat yellow seaweed-like stuff attached to some rocks. It kind of looks this stuff but yellow and not quite as full. Does anyone know what it might be? Could I use it?

[Swanwillow]

you may want to check the laws in your area, some places its illegal to collect like that.. well, in massive amounts, just be aware of the fact.

What are the water temps in NC right now? I don't know if things taken from there can handle the higher temps we tend to keep our reef tanks at.

[jjakes24]

I'm not sure but I wouldn't think there would be any harm. To be really safe, you might want to wash the rock with a bleach solution, rinse and allow it to completely dry for a week or so. After this, let it sit in a tub of freshwater and monitor the PH to make sure the rock is not still leaching anything (if it is, the PH would be up in the 10's) If it is not, then put in a tub of saltwater and monitor for ammonia, etc. If no cycle comes from it, I would say it would be safe to add. You might get another opinion though.

[Swanwillow]

umm, that would get rid of the reason for having live rock.

To take it straight from the beach, cycle it as you would any live rock you'd order online.

[jjakes24]

the question was to use it for base rock, I assumed he didn't want to introduce any unnecessary pests

[Swanwillow]

good point but then he went on to talk about the algae he found on it. (he or she-you know what I mean)

A few minute FW dip will also kill of bad hitchhickers-cept the ones deepest in the rocks. FWIW, its more or less what people that have LR do.

[jamielee2406]

We have done the same thing for my tanks. We didn't take it from the water (it's illegal in FL), but we took them from the beach and cured them in saltwater (not fresh it will kill the good stuff) for about 2 weeks. Smell them to make sure there is no smell before you put it in your tank. I have gotten some really good pieces doing it that way. I've gotten some little crabs and things, but nothing terrible. I've had these rocks for 2 years now and some plant life has grown on some and they are covered in coraline algae from the live rock I bought from the store.

[Davidb6]

I just did basicly the same thing...found base rock on a deserted beach in Florida. The rock was washed up on the beach and was dry. My plan is to soak it in bleach water (1 week), rinse it well, soak it in ro/di water (1 week), boil it in ro/di water, dry it in the sun.

At that point I'll place it in a container with some live rock (50/50) with good power heads. Should make a great addition to my sump in about 6 months..

[skiguy411]

Thanks guys. I guess I will rinse the rock in some bleach, let it sit in some fresh water and check the ph and ammonia.

I'm not sure if its illegal or not, but with the small amount I am taking I hope it wont be a problem.

Does anyone have any idea what the stuff attached to the rock is? Its like a firm yellow seaweed that is attached to the rock. I'll probably keep that one out of the bleach and fw and see what becomes of it.

[jamielee2406]

If you have any algae eaters in your tank they will probably eat it. If not you will have a really nice addition of plants in your tank. If you plan on using bleach be extremely careful. I personally don't use any harsh chemicals just to avoid any problems.

[mfp4073]

just know. A memeber from central florida took a small amount of rock from one of our inlets. About a week later he got a visit from the feds and fish and game commission. Lets just say he had a very bad several weeks. I think his total amount was less than 5 pounds of rock total.

[Zestay]

so what were learning from this experience is.. if you do this operation.. borrow your friends car !!!!

[skiguy411]

Haha.....Well there is literally no one at this beach. Also, I doubt it makes a difference, but its actually on the sound side.

I took a picture of the plant I found and was wondering if anyone could identify it.

[mfp4073]

and dont talk about it on a public forum!

[Swanwillow]

it looks like a gongorian, coral not plant... but, then again, there doesn't seem to be any holes for the tentacles...

[baldomero]

i took some rock from a beach in puerto rico but these rocks were not touched by water i rinsed them and used them in my tank 1 month later its got a little color and it looks nice

[RicksReefs]

that gorgonian looks like it may be Leptogorgia virgulata.

from what I read, the kid who got nabbed had less than a half pound of rock...

[skiguy411]

So is it ok to put this dead (I assume) coral in?

[RicksReefs]

it may be dead but the flesh is still attached to the core, which will look just like a dead branch once the flesh is off. if you've kept it wet, it could still be alive. I'd throw it in a bucket of tank water, add flow, and after a day or so, look for polyp extension.

[mfp4073]

yeah, it was a very small amount. Just be careful to know the laws and not have someone knocking on your door.

[Vinnie71975]

Originally posted by mfp4073
yeah, it was a very small amount. Just be careful to know the laws and not have someone knocking on your door.

Just Do the Smart thing, make a call to the local Police or wildlife officer and ASK FIRST! the worst that they can do is say no dont take it, but if you do it without asking you could end up in a Federal Prison over a piece of rock, trust me NOT WORTH THE RISK!