How to Store Live Rock

Live rock is marine or ocean rock that is cultivated in a marine aquarium environment. The rock itself is not alive, but is composed of the skeletons of calcareous organisms like coral. It benefits the closed marine environment by introducing microscopic and macroscopic marine organisms like Coralline algae that can flourish inside a saltwater aquarium environment. You can reasonably store the live rock in any container for up to a week without adverse effects. If you need to store it for longer, then you need to use a slightly more elaborate setup.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic container
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Skimmer
  • Powerhead
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Instructions

    • 1

      Arrange the live rock in a large plastic container. The container should be significantly larger than the live rock to give adequate space for water.

    • 2

      Fill the plastic container with enough marine water to completely cover the live rock. Treat the water as you would treat any marine aquarium water, with the adequate level of salinity for the water volume.

    • 3

      Affix a heater to the container. The ideal temperature for storing live rock on a long term basis is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Use a skimmer and a powerhead if possible to ensure that the water parameters remain stable. This is important in keeping the organisms on the live rock alive during storage.

    • 5

      Perform weekly water changes of at least 50% of the water in your container. Make sure that the live rock is kept from drying out in order to keep the algae and other organisms alive.