Brushing off rock

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by Midnight_Madman, Sep 25, 2004.

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  1. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    How often is beneiftal to brush liverck off to remove any loose stuff and any diatoms etc?
     
    Midnight_Madman, Sep 25, 2004
    Midnight_Madman, Sep 25, 2004
    #1

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  2. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    I don't brush mine. I bought a turkey baster at the grocery store and squirt the rock often....at least once per week. Periodically, I'll take a powerhead for a more thorough job.

    If detritus is allowed to settle on the rock for too long, you are likely to develop algae there. Not all of the detritus is uneaten food and fish poo. A lot of it is there because bacteria is constantly cleaning out the inside of the live rock and via bacterial turgor (pressure), the waste gets pushed out to the surface of the rock. This waste is a great food source for algae so you want to blow it off the rock to be removed by your skimmer.
     
    inwall75, Sep 25, 2004
    inwall75, Sep 25, 2004
    #2
  3. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    Good info. thanks
     
    Midnight_Madman, Sep 25, 2004
    Midnight_Madman, Sep 25, 2004
    #3