how long can I keep live rock alive

I just got my tank running / cycled and growing about a month ago. I have about 120 lb of live rock that is starting to grow coraline algae real well.

I now have to move out of state and will not be able to keep the tank set up. How long can I keep the live rock alive while I don't have a tank set up?

Can I put it in plastic tubs with a powerhead in each one for 2 weeks? 3 weeks? I have to move the rock, then get into my new house. I will not have time to set up my tank right away because of the move and other priorities.

If rock cures in 2 weeks outside of the tank, can I keep this alive for 2 weeks without doing the water changes and etc? Actually, It will need to be longer than two weeks because I have to cycle the new tank once finally get it set up.

So, should I try to keep this rock alive, or should I just sell it to a guy from work and be done with it?

 

Put it all in a tub with a heater and a skimmer and it will be fine . You have to maintian water parameters as well just as you would with a aquarium.

 

Keep circulation going and some lighting going and you could do it for a year if you want to.....just keep adding top-off water so you keep your salinity stable.

Area's of rock that don't get any exposure to lighting will experience a small die-off of coralline but once your tank is setup again, the coralline will come back.

You don't need to wait until the tank is cycled to put it into the new tank. Match the temperature and specific gravity of the tubs the rock has been sitting in and then aquascape.

EDIT: or what Tangster said.

 

why would he need a skimmer for live rock? You should only need a heater and powerhead. jmo
Darren

 

The skimmer is for die off, though it will be minimal, but it will happen none the less.

 

You can't bawest, you need to sell it all to me and Ogle.........;D
I take it you got the job????? You can't leave us here at Toyota! :-/

 

265 gal w/3 sided view (Peninsula) CYCLED LOL not quite but very close there is still a little more time needed to be able run fully with the big Dogs at full speed Enjoy it buddy

 

It at least has life and lights in it now. ;D

 

Yes you do and tht makes it alright don't it! LOL Hows that for grammer I know you fel better Like a kid at christmas .. Speaking of kids tell her the blue one will br fine I do not need any little ladies mad at me Oh we want to see it with lights and life .

 

They just kicked off so I will get a pic in the next couple of days and post. Corals are not responding very well. Guess they are not used to the light. Trista says thanks for giving Dorie and Nemo a bigger place to swim.