| Live rock is used to create reef-like structures in | | | | 5. Use power heads, water pumps and the return |
| both saltwater fish and reef aquariums. Since the | | | | pump outlets to direct water flow throughout the |
| rock is collected directly from oceans around the | | | | rock structure. |
| world it is inhabited with algae, animals, plants, | | | | 6. Make sure your protein skimmer is running properly. |
| bacteria and more. When it is shipped, some of the | | | | It should produce a thick, dark-colored waste in the |
| animal and plant life on the rock are damaged. These | | | | collection cup. Activated filter carbon may be used to |
| rocks must be cured or cleaned before they are safe | | | | remove organic waste and the smell. Set the heater |
| to put with fish and invertebrates. | | | | between 74º and 78º. |
| The rock arrives in a Styrofoam box usually wrapped | | | | 7. The levels of nutrients in the water will begin to |
| in wet newspaper to keep it moist. Prepare a bucket | | | | rise very rapidly. If you keep a lot of light on the |
| of premixed saltwater to a specific gravity between | | | | aquarium it will grow a lot of unwanted algae. You |
| 1.020 to 1.024. | | | | need enough light to keep the macro algae alive so |
| | | | use 1 watt per gallon of water for less than 5 or 6 |
| 1. Remove the rock from the box carefully. If you | | | | hours a day. |
| wish, wear rubber gloves. Look for any bristleworms | | | | 8. Water changes should be done regularly. While |
| that may be hanging partially out of the rock. These | | | | removing the water use some flexible tubing and |
| worms can sting or bite so use tweezers to remove | | | | siphon the white spots or any other dying debris off |
| them. | | | | your rocks when they appear. Also siphon the |
| 2. Dip the rock into the bucket of premixed salt | | | | bottom of the aquarium or container removing any |
| water to remove any loose debris. Look for any | | | | debris. Change at least 50%, up to 100% of the |
| white, slimy areas or decaying areas. Any decay | | | | water each time you do a water change. The more |
| should be removed with a brush. If you choose to do | | | | often the water changes are done, the lower the |
| so, you may remove the algae and plant growth. | | | | waste levels will be and the more plants and animals |
| 3. The rock can be placed into your aquarium or into | | | | will survive. |
| a holding container while the rock cycles. If you | | | | 9. When the levels of ammonia and nitrite read zero |
| choose to place it in an aquarium no animals may be | | | | on your test kit the rock is cycled. Now you can |
| added until the levels of ammonia and nitrite have | | | | gradually increase the amount of light each day, as |
| dropped back to zero. This can take from 3 to 6 | | | | well as the amount of time it stays on. |
| weeks. | | | | If you have not done a water change recently do |
| 4. When placing live rock in an aquarium try to keep | | | | one before adding fish, corals or invertebrates. |
| as much of the rock off the bottom of the aquarium | | | | It takes patience to cure live rock because the |
| as possible to ensure good water circulation around | | | | aquarium is motionless with little going on while you |
| the rock. As you build rock walls and cliffs you want | | | | keep up with water changes and water testing. |
| as little contact between each piece of rock as | | | | When the cycle completes, your aquarium will come |
| possible. This again allows for good circulation and will | | | | to life as you begin adding colorful, playful, |
| create great hiding places for the fish. | | | | eye-catching fish! |