Dry rock question

I currently have about 50lbs of live rock in my 55. I want to add some dry rock. I had read that you should soak the dry rock in freshwater so that the phosphates and other stuff can leak out. I did that for about a day. I rinsed them off, added some of my tank water and a small live rock that was in my tank. I also added a bubbler. Should I have added the bubbler? How long should I leave it there? When would it be safe to add to my aquarium. I have fish, coral banded shrimp, snails, and some soft corals right now.

Krista

 

In 3 days time I would pull a piece out and give it the good smell test. You can tell if there is decay going on in the rock by the smell. If it smells like wet rock you're probably good to go. I am not sure I even believe half of what I hear about dry rock leeching phosphates, personally I think other things are at play and the rock is not the culprit.
You need to have some flow( provided by the bubbler) to keep certain types of denutrifying bacteria alive so yes you need an O2 source.

 

Agreed. I've added new dry rock to systems plenty of times with no issues. Just a simple rinse to remove dust is all they need.

 

well, there you go Krista! Mr. Bill and Corailline both know their stuff!

 

Thanks for the quick response!

 

my rock in my refugium smells like old oysters !! lol

 

Brave folks smelling anything that sits in your tank lol

 

And then there's BRS pukani .... With dead spunges and clams all over ....