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ksarcury 
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Joined: January 10 2009
Location: Bountiful, UT
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 Topic: Used to be Live Rock Question
Posted: August 14 2009 at 4:55am |
Happy, happy! We just got a killer deal on a used 34g. Solana Aquarium System w/mh pendant light. I've been wanting one of these since I first saw one at Marine Aquatics a while back, but it was way out of our budget. Lucked out on this one for sure.
So the nice kid we got the tank from also threw in all his tank "stuff", including a 5 lb. bucket filled to the top with what used to be live rock from Maui. Nice looking rock, but not live at this point.
Exactly what do I need to do to bring it back to the living stage? And how long will it take?
Thanks for your help!
Kenna
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90 gal. reef
12 g. nano w/acans
34 g. salano system
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Mark Peterson
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Joined: June 19 2002
Location: Murray
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Posted: August 14 2009 at 5:08am |
Was this rock kept wet or dry, and was copper present in the system?
Assuming it is dry and no copper, it needs to be rinsed and then soaked in freshwater for a day. Then added to a system that has at least as much LR, preferably twice as much so that established system can take care of all the die off/pollution that is within that dry dead rock. Remember to twist turn and shake the rock underwater to release all trapped air bubbles, just as you would do when introducing good LR. Be patient. It can take months for rock in that condition to start hosting bugs and algae. Sometimes it's easier and quicker just to use LBTR than to try to re-liven old dead rock. 
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Crzyfshguy
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Posted: August 14 2009 at 5:11am |
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Congrats at picking up that tank. The one on KSL I assume, I was tempted to grab it but It was a little out of my price range at the moment.
I know you need to cure the rock for a little while to get rid of dead stuff and allow for a little new to grow. Rince it very well prior to doing this. Someone else can chime in on what the proper way is to CURE rock.
After that place it in the tank with some LIVE rock and give it some time. Depending on the quality of the live rock you could expect results within a month, or up to three or so.
Make sure an post up some pics when you get it back together
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45G w/ leds
15G sump
MP10es
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ksarcury
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Location: Bountiful, UT
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Posted: August 14 2009 at 5:18am |
Thanks Mark. So what time is it wherever you are at? Looks like a very cool place. We should come and visit! You don't know us, but that's a minor detail. 
The rock was dry when I got it, and I'm guessing it has been dry for quite some time. Nice high school kid who thought a tank would be a cool and found out it was work. Retail is $800 just for the 34 g. tank, stand and light combo so he was running a pretty pricy project to start. Not sure on the copper, but he gave me all his chemicals as well and there are none there so I feel pretty safe. It was a small reef when it was running.
It's nice looking rock, and there are some really great looking branches that feel like they are made of iron, they are sooooo heavy. I know to start up this new tank I need to get my hands on some living live rock, but I seem to remember someone with a plastic tote and a bubbler who was bringing dry rock back to life, and I thought it would be worth considering if not too much trouble for future use, or sharing with friends
Kenna
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90 gal. reef
12 g. nano w/acans
34 g. salano system
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Crzyfshguy
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Location: Bountiful
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Posted: August 14 2009 at 6:59am |
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Mark brings up a VERY interesting point about the copper...
May not be a bad idea to soak the new rock for several days, then test the water it is in for copper.
I coppered a tank once, and was able to get it out with Chemi-pure, lots of carbon, and some white pads at birdworld that filtered random chemicals and changed color to show what it was pullling out. After a few weeks I gave it a shot and housed coral and inverts from then on with no issue.
So to be on the safe side, try the methods I used to remove it, even if you dont think you have it.
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45G w/ leds
15G sump
MP10es
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ksarcury
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Joined: January 10 2009
Location: Bountiful, UT
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Posted: August 14 2009 at 8:54am |
Hmmm. Good idea on the copper testing. I'll do that. I have learned the art of patience through reef keeping!
Yes, the tank was the one on ksl.com. Good thing I had some savings set aside  I was able to negotiate him down a little from what he was asking. It's a complete system, with the exception of a pump for the venturi skimmer, which it looks like will cost me $25-$30 to replace. My hubby had been wanting a smaller tank for our family room. We currently have a 90 g. in the living room, and a 12 g. in the office. I've been lusting over this set up since I first saw it, so needless to say I was THRILLED to get it at less than 1/2 the original price. Lots of extras as well. Jackpot!
Now we just have to decide what to put in it. First experience with MH lighting. Should be fun! I see you are in Bountiful as well. Great place!
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90 gal. reef
12 g. nano w/acans
34 g. salano system
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