steps to set up aquarium with dried-out live rock

I got this whole saltwater setup very cheaply ($65), but I don't really know what I'm doing in setting up a saltwater tank - I'm only in the first month of even having a freshwater tank.

anyways... a main concern is whether or not I can use the existing rock (as shown in the second picture) that came with it as my live rock. I'm not sure if it matters about the length of time, but I have no idea how long the rock has been out of water - I'm guessing for a while.

so basically, if anyone could fill me in on the steps to getting this ready for fish, with using the existing rock, I would greatly appreciate the help. thanks!

 

In my limited research, dead rock will become live once in your tank. It would probably be useful to seed it with a small amount of live rock. (Maybe do a swap of equal sized pieces with someone you know that has a healthy tank?)

I have zero first hand experience with saltwater. This information is all from my own research recently.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Fish Lore Aquarium Fish Forum mobile app

 

thanks for your input!

I've seen some answers similar to that, but there seemed to be some split opinions on using dried out rock from what I saw. I'm curious to see I can hear from anyone who has had personal experience with it. I wish I could swap some rock with someone, but I don't know anyone in my area who does any sort of serious fish keeping... I'll hopefully be able to meet some soon!

 

You can use the dead rock, but also get some live rock too. Probably about 3-4 good sized rocks. The live rock will help jump-start the cycle.

Live sand would also be a good idea. When I set up my sw tank, I used 60lb dead rock and 10lb live (my tank is a 75g). I'm getting more live rock because I think it needs more hiding places.

I got 120lb of live sand that has snails and other little critters I can't name. The snails are supposed to work the sand.

I also use ro water from my lfs. Tap water around here has way too high of a specific gravity.

 

Edit, posted in the wrong place! But I did want to reply to this one so give me a min!

 

You can use the dead rock, but also get some live rock too. Probably about 3-4 good sized rocks. The live rock will help jump-start the cycle.

Live sand would also be a good idea. When I set up my sw tank, I used 60lb dead rock and 10lb live (my tank is a 75g). I'm getting more live rock because I think it needs more hiding places.

I got 120lb of live sand that has snails and other little critters I can't name. The snails are supposed to work the sand.

I also use ro water from my lfs. Tap water around here has way too high of a specific gravity.

so the organism from the live rock will eventually move to the dead rock & turn that into live rock as well?... is that correct? also, would live sand help to turn dead rock into live rock?

thanks for the help!

btw, the tank is 46 gallons and there's 50lbs of rock

Edit, posted in the wrong place! But I did want to reply to this one so give me a min!

I was a little confused when I saw your first reply ... I look forward to hearing your input too! I can definitely use as much help as I can get!

 

I would suggest cycling the dead rock in a bucket separate of your aquariums. Since you have no idea of the history of the rock, it could be packed with organic material and phosphates that is very hard to remove from a full setup.

I would put the rock in buckets/tubs with saltwater, powerheads and a heater. Over the course of at least a month, I would track ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates and do water changes as needed until there is no ammonia an no phosphates.

And you are correct, live rock will bring the organisms into your tank that will then populate all available surfaces. Live sand does that too. Be very selective of where you get your live rock though. Live rock can bring in fish diseases as well as pests like aiptasia, majano, red planaria, etc.