How to Seed Live Rock

Live rock is porous rock from tropical waters composed of the calcium carbonate remains of dead corals. It provides an ideal habitat for a variety of marine organisms that benefit the ecosystem of a saltwater aquarium. Live rock̵7;s purifying abilities allow you to run a saltwater or reef aquarium without expensive equipment, according to Livestockusa.org. Seeding (also known as curing) live rock hastens die-off of undesirable marine life that would otherwise pollute your aquarium. Seed live rock even if the rock was seeded before you obtained it, advises Marinedepot.com.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic tub
  • Gloves
  • Salt water
  • pH test kit
  • Commercial pH increaser
  • Commercial pH decreaser
  • Hydrometer
  • Thermometer
  • Heater
  • Powerheads
  • Ammonia test kit
  • Nitrate test kit
  • Siphon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the plastic tub with salt water. Livestockusa.org recommends a 35 gallon tub for 40 to 65 pounds of live rock. Do not fill to the top. Your live rock will displace water when you put it in.

    • 2

      Test the pH of the water. If necessary, condition it so that it has a pH between 8.2 and 8.4 using a pH increasing or decreasing product.

    • 3

      Check the specific gravity of the water using a hydrometer. The water should have a specific gravity of 1.021 to 1.025; if it is outside this range raise or lower the salt level accordingly.

    • 4

      Maintain a water temperature in the mid 70s to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the curing process.

    • 5

      Clean the live rock. Remove sponges from the live rock--with a gloved finger, press the rock, and when you find a soft spot, you have found a sponge. They die in the air and will foul your tank quickly, according to Reeftime.com. Also remove hitchhikers, such as shrimp and crabs. You can also use a soft brush and gently scrub the live rock. This will speed the seeding process and not harm desirable living organisms on the live rock.

    • 6

      Place live rock into the water. It will remain submerged for two to four weeks during the seeding process.

    • 7

      Insert and turn on the powerheads (submersible water pumps) to keep the water oxygenated. The live rock is now seeding.

    • 8

      Perform 20 to 30 percent water changes every two or three days, suggests Marinedepot.com. This keeps ammonia levels down. Siphon off the dead matter from the bottom of the tub.

    • 9

      Test frequently for ammonia and nitrates. When ammonia levels cease spiking and nitrates drop off to zero, states Marinedepot.com, the live rock is seeded. The live rock should smell fresh. If you detect the scent of rotten eggs, you should continue seeding.

    • 10

      Place the seeded live rock in your aquarium.