Reanimate dead Rock

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by Jason McKenzie, Aug 17, 2014.

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  1. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

    Joined:
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    Looking for everyone's thoughts on how to bring dry dead rock back to life.

    My story. When I shut down my 370G tank. I set up a temp 120 for the fish I wanted to keep.
    This was to be temporary until I could find a good new system that would be easier to manage than the 370G

    I moved some live rock from the 370G to the 120G and had them both running for about 2 months.

    I then got my 220G and used the dry rock that was unused from the 370G. About 100lbs.
    After cycling the rock and seeding I moved my fish and a few remaining corals.

    I then took the rock from the 120G and tossed it in a bucket for about a year and a half now.

    I can't appear to get my nitrates down so my thoughts are to increase my LR amount to help with this.
    So I have roughly 80lbs of LR that has been dry for a year and a half.
    I've scrubbed it and it's now in a bucket of saltwater with a heater and 3 powerheads.

    What would your next steps be?

    Thanks
     
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  3. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    I'd suggest treating it like a new cycle. Test for the nitrogen's, and change water and test till nitrates and phosphates are the only thing showing at a low rate. You can even seed it in the bucket to get the biology going.
     
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  4. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    Just add saltwater and an ammonia source and bacteria will do the rest.
     
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  5. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Was it in a dry bucket, of SW, heater (if needed) and some flow also.

    o/w, if it's clean dry rock, I agree on the DT and let it become 'live' again.

    I'd also get a huge clump of nice green Chaeto to help with the Nitrates and phospahtes, etc.
     
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