only base rock to start a tank

[djcool563]

as most of you know i am going to be setting up my 55g soon. i wanted to know can you start you tank off with about 70 pounds of base rock and then seed it with some live rock?cna you start a tank with only base rock?

[doody]

Either way would work, but starting out with base only will take some time. Use at least 20% LR.

[Paul B]

Yes, you could start a tank with only base rock. No problem
Paul

[scottfarcuz]

Paul,
Great to see you here. I think you should put togther a presentation for us, and come down to Cleveland to share with us some of the "out of the norm" steps you take to build, maintain, and care for your reef. :) So few people are willing to think outside the box when it comes to reefkeeping I always love to hear you talk about your methods.

DJ,
It's not going to hurt anything to start the tank without seeding it. I actually prefer to use a large anount of dry rock in my tanks. I think a lot of the nutrient problems people are having is from crud build up in live rock. I think the bulidup could also be linked to the infamous "old tank syndrome". There is still however a large debate (imagine that) over the advantages of live rock compared to using mostly base rock. I found this (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=429539)
thread very informatve on other peoples experience in setting up a tank using mostly base rock and seeding it. I just hope you understand the additional patience using base rock is going to require. In my experience the base rock will be seeded with bacteria rather quicky. This of course will vary from tank to tank based on conditions and quality of the material used to seed it. I really like Eric Borneman theory on developing a mature tank. I think you should take the time to read this (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=249112) thread on tank maturity issues.

I was looking for some rock for my son's nano around christmas time and salty critter had some stuff they were calling base rock that I was really happy with. It had a decent amount of coraline, micro fauna, and I was shocked to find some zoo's and polyps on it. It was $2/lb. It didnt all have the greatest of shapes but Dan was more than willing to dig through the tank until my son found exactly the pieces he wanted. I don't know if they have any now, but it would be worth the phone call to find out. I would add 10 lbs or so of it mixed randomly with your base in areas of good flow and keep the calcium, alk, and mag at a good level (see this (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm) article on calcium alkalinity problems and this (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm) article on proper parameters) and you will see coraline start to spread. Staring at brown rocks isnt fun.

[Paul B]

CLEVELAND, now if you were in the Caribbean or Tahiti I would come down. LOL.
I was only in Cleveland once a long time ago, I forgot why. Anyway, thank you for the offer. When I tell people about my methods they kind of just look at me funny. I am still waiting for that
"Old tank syndrome" to kick in.
Take care.
Paul

[scottfarcuz]

Originally posted by Paul B
I am still waiting for that "Old tank syndrome" to kick in.

Guess I should open mouth and insert foot now :)

I dont think your setup falls into the normal closed system category. Not too many of us around here have the option to go diving for a new tank addition...Unless we want zebra mussels.

[doody]

What kind of methods are you all talking about

[Paul B]

I dont think your setup falls into the normal closed system category. Not too many of us around here have the option to go diving for a new tank addition...Unless we want zebra mussels.
I don't go just diving for new tank additions, I dive for lobsters to eat. About the only thing I dive for to put in my tank is urchins.
About my methods, it's a long story and much of it is published on RC somewhere. The tank is 34 years old I use a reverse UG filter, homemade lights, skimmer, and top off system, I feed many of the fish from a dish )one lived 16 years) I add water, mud, amphipods and copepods from the Long Island Sound in NY.
Anyway, here is a link to the history of the tank.
Take care.
Paul
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=2127079

[Paul B]

Oh I forgot, I collected most of my rock myself the rest I built and some of it is asphalt that was dumped in the sea 50 years ago. I also add Clorox bleach to the water I collect if it does not look too good.
Besides that, it is your normal everyday reef.
Paul

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/13094Copy_of_DSC00920.jpg

[SUMMERS]

You still have the broken liqour bottle and the piece of metal rod in the tank?

[DJOfir]

What do you mean you collected the rock yourself? Like at the beach and stuff? the reason I am asking is because I live in Ft. Lauderdale and was wondering if I could put rock I find at the beach into my tank?

[Paul B]

Summers, there are about 9 bottles in there and the metal rusted chain.
This candycane is growing out of a Grand Marnier bottle.
I love that stuff, I mean Grand Marnier.
Paulhttp://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/13094Copy_of_DSC00917.jpg
These are also in there.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/13094bottles.jpg

[Paul B]

DJ, of course you could pick up rocks at the beach in Florida and put them in your tank. As long as they are rock that comes from the water and not landscape stone or granite. Use coral rock that Florida is made out of. (Don't get arrested though)
The rock that you buy is not some kind of special rock, it is coral rock. The Caribbean Islands are also made out of the stuff. I collected most of mine in the Caribbean and a little in Hawaii. You should be using your water from there too.
Take care.
Paul

[djcool563]

thanks for the help guys

[DJOfir]

Are you sure it is ok paul? I mean could I even collect them from the shoreline water or do I have to go deep into the ocean?

[Paul B]

DJOfir, you can collect them from the beach, just collect coral rock. It's better if you take it from the water, not deep water, just in the water. You can take stuff from the beach but if it is underwater it will have bacteria on it so it will be live rock, you know the stuff that costs 7 or 8 bucks a pound. Don't forget to only collect coral rock. And remember you may not legally be able to collect it but I don't think anyone will bother you as long as you don't take any live coral.
Paul