Week 10: What You May Not Have Known About Live Rock. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

Today on BRStv it’s everything you ever wanted to know about live rock. We're going to explore everything related to live rock starting with why we use it, benefits of dry verses wet, discuss surface area and porosity, proper curing methods, and finish with curing the rock for the #BRS160.
In reef aquariums we use live rock for a few main purposes including aesthetic appeal, habitat for the fish and corals, and probably the most important element: filtering the tank. Every time I explain how to set up a reef tank to someone new the first thing they ask is, "where is the filter"?
"Filter" is one of those terms that has a lot of different meanings in the reef tank. By definition filtering really means removing something, and there is some equipment like filter socks and protein skimmers that are capable of removing waste from the tank as well as filter medias like carbon, GFO, and ZeoVit which are capable of doing just that.
In relation to live rock filtering the aquarium we are really using the rock and the bacteria it's surface hosts the rocks surface to process or convert broken down food and fish waste in the form of very toxic ammonia into much safer nitrite and nitrate.
This entire process of filtering toxic ammonia is commonly referred to as "the nitrogen cycle". We are going to cover this and more in depth in just a few weeks. For this episode it is just important to know that the love rock more or less just serves as surface area for the bacteria to populate on and filter your tank for you.
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@shlumpdurk2298]

You know you’re a reefer when a rock looks nice to you

[@redbluelocke4269]

Whenever I go for a walk and see an extremely round smooth pebble I have an unatural urge to take it.

[@sangsanga7403]

@@redbluelocke4269 same here

[@pewheretic7967]

I know these vids take an incredible amount of time and resources, and simply editing and post production work is enough to keep someone busy all week. That aint free/cheap. You've been told hundreds of times how appreciated you are so I won't gush or fan-boy all over you this time around. Very educational...enough so that the home school group and local private school kids now have this as part of their science studies. Biology, health, chemistry, eco studies and even basic philosophical introductions are gleaned from the hard work you all at BRS pump out weekly. You're having a much bigger impact than you may realize. Plus, what school kid doesn't like watching a video during school hours? :) We're going to use your 160 build as incentive to build our own tank at our local private school and we'll make sure to keep you in the loop. Thanks guys....

[@tracydoll7910]

Fantastic idea Pew Heretic! Wish more schools would do the same. Develop a love of the ocean, create a hobby and educate all at once. Win-Win!

[@pewheretic7967]

Thanks for the kudos. I did implement this and was given free reign. I donated a half dozen tanks and the education and fun and tinkering is still going on :) We still haven't set up a living tank with fish yet because we keep experimenting with all the science. We intentionally do things we theorize will fail just to validate the process. When we do something that works, we tear it apart to figure out why. This is easily going to take a couple years just to get a tank that we understand, not one that just has living fish in it. We're on the coast of Georgia so we've even headed to the ocean for samples of ocean water. BRS is listed among the creditors of our training and much thanks is given for their inspiration.

[@carlagarcia4941]

Pew Heretic fyii

[@andrewhales9771]

Another great BRStv video! I was lucky enough to meet Ryan at MACNA 2015 this year. He was friendly, kind, and didn't hesitate to take a picture with me... a genuinely great guy. Thank you for all the products, information, and customer support BulkReefSupply!

[@ivanthegod]

people giving thumbs down obviously don't have a clue about this hobby!!! personally, you explained it 110% correctly

[@raisethereef]

I would have agreed with this a year ago. Now, not at all. This dry rock tank has been the biggest nightmare and failure I have had in 12 years of reefing

[@christopherboykin5242]

Ryan Thompson so what would you suggest?

[@michealtran7958]

ivanthegod jr.

[@clownfishreef1045]

Cure rock in hot water. How hot?

[@memeboi6017]

the reson i disliked was cus he said wet rock was bad

[@Meldium]

Ryan as usual your information knowledge and expertise is priceless. you inform us, teach us,educate us, direct us, etc... all that we need to know to accomplish our reef tanks to be established and successful. I know you also run a business there for it helps you as well by doing these videos. BRS as one of the leading companies to supply us... But in my honest opinion, nobody can specifically out compete your knowledge as in explaining your experiences, tips in an easy to understand basis. this is why I come to you and this is why I've become a loyal customer. Thank you and keep up the good work Ryan and BRS. Rick

[@eddya9147]

I wanted to thank all you guys at BRS for helping me out with all the in depth information that I needed for setting up my reef tank, keep up the great videos cheers!

[@AbrahamLeanin]

Ryan, these videos are top notch. I'm glad they are all free to watch. I will be following the entire series.

[@goldhead101]

Why would someone give it a thumbs down????? BRS videos are what gets me through life. Nice job guys. Im learning plenty for when i build my large reef tank.

[@reedcardon6663]

I love this series. Fridays have become my absolute favorite day off the week, simply because of these videos

[@anthonysilva5015]

I am taking so many notes on this video, you are killing it with how much info you are providing with this one! Man, I can't keep up! thanks!!! I can't wait to start my build, wife... she can wait... lol

[@thomshere]

This is a great video for someone entering the hobby! Thanks for ALL the testing and all the extra work (and expense) you do for the hobby. It's pretty amazing how much effort goes into these videos and I for one greatly appreciate ALL the videos you produce.

[@grumpbert]

As I say every week, excellent stuff! I gotta say that the fact that you have this channel, and provide so much FREE information is just AWESOME! If only you shipped to the UK, then I could at least show my thanks by being a customer. Instead, I'll just offer my gratitude for all the advice you give. Cheers Ryan!!

[@aquaticnstuff7666]

it's kind of hilarious how the common wisdom was "experienced reefers choose dry rock to avoid pests" and now it's the opposite. Experienced reefers choose live rock for system stability.

[@dcgo44r]

So, go with live?

[@firebirdude2]

10:22 - 11:57. Awesome data guys and thank you for these types of tests.

[@shaunhill5768]

I began a 190 gal reef tank back in July, I had to cure the rock in the tank, no room for buckets, I also added 200 gal worth of bio-spir as well, never seen the phosphate spike like some have with the pukani,just very high nitrates, it took about 3 days for my ammonia to get to zero, but 3 weeks and 1 -100 gal and a 120 gal water change to get nitrates below 15, added fish then corals early because a heater failure in my 61 gal tank failed, cooked 2 beloved corals, tank is still maturing and the folks at BRS, was there to answer my questions along the way on what was going on with my dry pukani. Tank aquascaped beautifully and fish love the room, I also added 2 more fish to the tank, All this is due to the information I got watching these videos, Thanks again and keep them coming.

[@drewm.2790]

I can tell that this is gonna be an awesome series... Can't wait for the aquascaping, adding fish and coral videos... Sweet!...

[@pjfreak99]

Awesome. I used Reef Saver rock on my new tank, and it's worked out great. Very easy to create cool caves and ridges. Love these videos!

[@xXdwsizevilXx]

I am so glad you went with ReefRock, I can't wait to see your results.

[@goodall1bay]

I went on holiday to Barbados and took a piece of dried live rock from the beach, I put it in my tank and bam ! It came to life. In days, it almost instantly tuned purple and coraline spread across to other rocks. I had no pests and I was amazed by the amount of positive life growing on the rock.

[@kellerexpress]

Another great informative video, thanks guys keep up the good work

[@como5555]

wow...thanks for the video(s)...I am so happy I ran across your videos as I am a beginner and I find your videos so educational and informative.

[@joseCalderon1976]

As always, very good info!

[@6thascent137]

Over night boat rock is hilarious thank you for saying that’s a rip off. Let me just instantly send you something that had to arrive over time hahahahahaha

[@kennethj8236]

You're one awesome dude, thank you for all your help :)

[@kevinschulmeister2054]

hey ryan, just discovered brs tv about a month ago. been watching about an hour a day. catching up. love your work. keep it up.

[@briansfishtanks]

Another great video. Very thorough.

[@tsurro8086]

Excellent video, I used wet live rock my first time and nothing but algae problems, second time around I used Fiji dry rock, soaked it, cleaned it, soaked it some more, then dry it before doing my Aqua scape, much much better!!

[@sfish8434]

Good info as always

[@jonh9010]

Thx Ryan for the series

[@lawiez]

Ah BRS, I had my heart set on Pukani (you guys make it sound too good!). I spent weeks scouring the web for international shipping options to Asia (the cheapest was $15/lb for rocks + shipping). Almost paid $1,500 for 100lbs, but decided to be patient. In the end, it paid off as I went directly to the source and worked out a solution to get 132lbs shipped at less than $6/lb. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@NYCityCichlids]

Thanks for the info.

[@vbnautical5041]

As someone who will soon make the switch from a 125G freshwater African Cichlid tank with sump to saltwater reef, this is by far the best channel content anywhere...but you knew that already! I guess with a RR tank and sump, that is a good jump start.

[@Reject06]

aw :( i was already looking for week 11 when i found out it's STILL being made haha. loving the series!

[@Reject06]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I got the popcorn ready!

[@bansheegaming455]

BILLY MAZE HERE!

[@Davecooks87]

It’s Billy Mays

[@YogiRK]

Such a great series guys really look forward to new episodes each week. Well Done. Such a shame the industry isn't as big down here in Aus

[@ijnoj09]

I just started a 70G tank and using WS reef rock 2.1. It really is great rock. Excited to see you guys using it in the 160 and can't wait till next weeks episode on the aquascaping.

[@ijnoj09]

+BulkReefSupplyCom you mentioned in the vid you guys supplementing the biological filteration with the marinepure ceramic biomedia plates in the sump. I was thinking of adding these to my sump as well for the denitryfying capabilities. There's a lot of discussion on reefcentral about this product leaching aluminum yet many people have used it with success. curious to hear your opinion on the aluminum debate?

[@williamcowley2153]

So excited getting at custom 8x3x2 in a couple of months

[@timlaw1612]

great flick as usual. ??? does the new purple already rock from Carib Sea and others still get covered with real coralline over time? thanks

[@tallica4us]

Fantastic info here. I bought some cured live rock from my LFS straight from their show tank and set up a 10g also using live sand. Do i still have to go through the cycle or the rock and live sand have enough bb to support a few livestock?

[@erbenton07]

Hi, Great video! At approximately 1:04 what are the red devices on the left with the tubing coming down off them near the skimmer?

[@brsund06]

Just finished aquascaping the pukani you guys sent me in July. You can make some very cool structures with a little hydraulic cement. You guys should sell a product like the marco e 400 it's pretty amazing how you can attach plates and overhangs without worries of them falling. Just started filling the tank, hopefully will have the sump this month from synergy.

[@tkotanko]

I had two failed tanks that I attribute at least in part to using dry rock. I have to say, even though it's not part of this episode, that RO/DI is a key to the tank. Both previous attempts caused me a massive amount of algae as well as hidden pests. Great bit of education as usual

[@tkotanko]

oh no... MISTYPE.. should have read "in part to NOT using dry rock". I used live rock the first two times as well as conditioned tap water. 2 BIG mistakes!!

[@samiam9059]

Used a lot of it on my 180 reef from br. Have to cure it and that takes a LONG time, longer then most know. Also need to seed it good when curing is finished. Personally do not use ro water either.

[@tkotanko]

+Felix The Cat I'm glad you have luck w/o using ro. In my area there is a lot of phosphates "naturally" in the water.

[@samiam9059]

Our water is terrible and have not moved soon enough to go there(15 years). Will start that soon. Never had a slime problem and now it has been a problem for months. Not a lot but on the sand here and there. Tried all the solutions but none have removed all out. At least the the livestock and corals are okay. RO will help that immensely.

[@jedimaster8691]

Another great video! I wish this info was available in 1994 when I started my reef addiction/hobby! Then I wouldn't have spent 3 years with trial and error! Even the fish stores didn't tell you things back then.

[@BiologyIsHot]

can you guys do this video w/ the number comparisons using currently available options now that pukani is gone?

[@rbosco2112]

Thanks for the video. Getting my 125 gal tank going and looking for more rock to put in it. What is the difference between Pukani and key Largo/Marcorocks dry rock? and what is the difference between Reefrock 2.1 and Caribsea?

[@chriscrigger5823]

Thanks

[@jericoreyes24]

great job ryan. this is the best live rock video I have ever seen. I have a question about the marine pure. can it host bacteria that convert nitrates to nitrogen or are the just like superhigh surface bioballs? thanks

[@Skyy_415]

Coralline is taking over my live rock ..even the hermits I placed a few weeks ago have coralline on their shells. Any solutions?

[@PHOENIXFOREVER4u]

another great info regarding live rocks ... wow... good job mate. :) btw i have a question for ya!!!! can i add cured live rock directly in an established reef tank?? or do i have to cycle it in another tank for couple of days ???? :) thank you. :)

[@steevareno2002]

what do u think of ceramic rock? no curing process needed. cool formations.

[@austinchilders4955]

Is it better to have the marine pure before or after my skimmer in my sump?

[@slappy013]

I would like to try the marine pure bio media, (slabs in my sump) how often should it be replaced or cleaned?

[@Fraysbricks]

Pleased to announce today I did my weekly maintenance and test came up all ZERO with some nitrate so happy shall wait another week and run further test then! so glad I waited and did everything slowly has paid off. Advice on stock.... should I start with a single clown, as I have no algae or detritus or should I start with a selection of hermits, snails and shrimps ? or do I get a coral and a clown ? cheers BRSTV especially Ryan for help setting my first marine up :)

[@menkalos]

Excellent information!!! Where were you when i started my tank back in May? :-) I know I didn't do a lot correctly when I started. Woulda coulda shoulda. Anyway, thanks for the series. I've found it invaluable and I look forward to the new video every week. One thing I'd love to figure out how to do is how to convert my Red Sea Reefer 350 from it's hard-to-balance two-pipe herbie return to the three pipe beananimal return system.

[@kimberlieanastasiaSmith]

me too

[@gputec3]

can I use TAP WATER? along with flow salt and heater in the brute to cure my dry rock, or should I wait for ro/di

[@voxydian2689]

I had maybe 5 live rocks then introduced my homemade portland cement rock and my tank is thriving... theres a shitload of amphipods crawling all over it... just got my coral light... on to corals now.. learned alot from you guys... 🤫... I havent used the first test kit... One year strong

[@don_chuwish]

I'd be curious to see how the Reefrock2.1 does in the dry vs. wet weight comparison. Did you not test it?

[@Puddy155]

I have started my 30 gallon saltwater tank. I have about 15 pounds of live rock and about 2 inches of live sand. I am currently in week 3 of my cycle and I am wondering if I could add some dry rock in my tank or do I have to let that cure before I add it. Thanks

[@musiccasserole]

what should the temp on the heater be when curing dry rock or the 2.1 rock?

[@marcusaurelius8488]

Hey where do you get that fiberglass rods? I've looked around and can't seam to find any

[@tylers2102]

My local fish store has several big bins of live rock with water, heater, and filter. Can I add this to the tank immediately?

[@jamaaloverton7558]

So, the nitrogen can be gassed out? I'm learning so many new things from this series.

[@chriscrigger5823]

How often should the Bio Pure be cleaned? Been thinking about getting some but don't want to have to take out and clean it every week.

[@goodall1bay]

Ive always wondered if it is practical to use ai rated concrete block for filtration, or could it be made safe?

[@darthweezy]

Ryan- how much of the Reef Rock did you actually use for the 160?

[@pumpkinking49]

Wish you guys were in the UK :(

[@er5722]

My rock is starting to have shinny red spots you can notice it allot more under the blue light specially on my new white live rock can’t wait for it to spread more

[@72jmunoz]

ryan can you use lace rock for saltwatter tank?

[@istardustl]

Just got some ReefRock 2.1 and about to cure it .. grabbing some MarinePure balls too does it need to cure with the MarinePure with the ReefRock? or do I add it in the tank cycle?

[@MrWootastic]

So I have approximately 35 to 40 lbs of live rock in my 55 gal tank. There are these dead looking tubes all over each piece. It's not a huge eye sore or anything. I was curious whether or not I should remove each piece, dry it, scrub all that stuff off, then place it back? Some of the tubes appear to have some kind of little plant coming out of it. Thanks

[@Elia11223]

I have a very important Q i understand the way the rock work as a filter but way not also using as extra a normal filter that would give extra biological and mechanical filtration? There is a reasone that contraindicate the use of them or because of the salt they just get destroyed very quickly, Very interested to know because I'm going to convert soon and this Q bother me from day one since I started to plan to move to saltwater tank. Looking forward to an answer Elia

[@jamesdockery7806]

Has BRS ever used the Berlin Method to export nutrients via anaerobic bacteria?

[@prestonhoover4412]

Okay, so I have got a question for you brs geniuses! I bought the 10 kg of the project reef rock 2.1 and one 1"x 8" x 8" bio media plate as well as 30 lbs of special grade live sand from brs. In your opinion will this be enough filter media for a 40 breeder stocked? I would like to avoid a hob skimmer and I am currently using carbon/gfo. Side note, I put the media plate underneath my rock structure which the packaging indicates as an appropriate placement method. I wouldn't hold you responsible for any response, but would greatly appreciate your professional opinion.

[@killroy255]

one thing I saw at reef-a-palloza, IIRC, was that someone used the marine pure or something similar to make sump walls, acting as both a wall and a filter section.

[@killroy255]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I don't remember much, but what I do remember was that they used a magdrive or similar pump that to a piece of pipe that went to the front of the sump where it was easily sent through, once I get a tank with a sump I'm likely gonna do something similar, though that may be a while....

[@JoshOsReef]

Hi guys, I'm starting a 422 litre set up soon (332l display, 90l sump)...how much pukani and how much reef saver is recommended for this size set up? thanks!

[@shubidubi88]

how much rock do u recommend for a 60g cube similar to the setup u got at 5:42

[@blenderheado2424]

Can I use dry Rock in freshwater fish tank?

[@carlosreefer7937]

Did u soak the rock in hated r.o water or did you add anything to the water?

[@karennation3580]

I just bought 2 batches of live rock, one looks new but tested posite for small amount of amonia nitrites and nitrates after soaking in saltheated water for about 5 days. I have some that tested negative. I would like to mix both batches as the new rock is reef saver and the live rock that tested zero is tonga branches arches and base and small rock. I wont be mixing the two until I set up my large aquarium that needs lots of work though and i have a small 36 gallon bowfront that needs nothing and is ready to go. but Do I need to cure this live rock that I bought that has already been curing in a dark brute can? It tested negative and has lots of marine pure bio balls as well, maybe because its not so porous, lots of tonga braches. My plan is to get this up and going now with live rock and start curing the reefsaver that tested positive. Can I later switch the rocks out? I cant make a good aqua scape, not enough base and small rocks and to many tonga brances. Later it will all mix perfectly when I upgrade to 75 gallon! But Until then I want to start with tonga and one big base and lots of marine pure balls, after the reefsaver has cyled or cured then switch most of it than even later mix it all together to make a big 75 gallon. Is this a good plan? I just dont want to wait months to cycle the reef saver when I can add live rock right way and the later switch out then even later combine all! Just hope color matches when I add all together because the reefsaver is white now, hopefully it will darken but since no lite cant grow coarline, maybe I i wll paint it or use pvs purple primer before i cure it. I saw some you tubes of that, the other live rock with tonga is caribe sea life rock so has been dyed or painted anyway! Sorry so long. I hope you understand what I am asking...lol My live rock has sharp stuff that looks like barnacles or something on it, like in this video of live rock. Can I scrub that off or will I be scrubbing away benefical bacteria?

[@AquariumsToGo]

Heh. I live in Australia and have never heard of boat rock before. Living 2 hours flight from Cairns we get everything fresh by air.

[@PRIMEAquarismo]

Gostei! Like 👍👍👍👍

[@franklinmichael671]

5:00 If I wanted to keep them alive what type of feeding would I need to do? Phyto and copepods or more complicated stuff? I want to set up a 120gallon just to keep live rock like that for it to eventually become a seahorse tank. Where can I find out about feeding these filter feeders? I have looked into DyMiCo filters which replace skimmers and allow much more plankton to survive because he skimmer doesn't remove them. I would also add a remote deep sandbed for worms and eggs.

[@franklinmichael671]

***** How can I tell when I'm feeding too much? Do you have any links for good articles about culturing and feeding your own foods for filter feeders?? Thanks.

[@franklinmichael671]

***** When you do I will watch each 10 times haha.

[@mdineshraj]

Hey Ryan, hows the porous structure and surface area like of that real rock? Is the biological filtration the real rock could give in anyway equate to pukani? Starting up a 40G breeder, with a 20G sump. Deciding on what rock best suits with biological filtration as priority. Cheers.

[@maxm4455]

Question, I have a fully cycled tank with fish in it but I do not like the rock I have in it. Am I able to possibly slowly change each rock out or do I need to completely start over and cycle a new tank?

[@BRStv]

You could go either way. If you decide to replace the rock piece by piece, just be sure to do it slowly over time.

[@Aiden_Graham]

Ok thanks

[@mryes413]

What's the best rock for any size aquarium?

[@Tbobization]

How do i get rid of the pest in live rock? I have just found, what i think is, bristle worm.

[@troylong5414]

what size tank is the example of 40 lbs figi wet to 40 lbs pukani dry ?

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

You know, a lot of people expected maybe Mark "Cutback" Davis or Bob "Jungle Death" Gerrard would take the honors this year.

[@rachaelhilton219]

What temperature do you typically cure the rock at? Sorry if I missed it in the video but didnt see it. Looking to cure some dry live rock.

[@rachaelhilton219]

Thank you. Curing some now. Got some of your PUKANI DRY LIVE ROCK and I absolutely love it.

[@mjminino]

Should I add bio blocks to my refugium too?

[@mjminino]

I put in an order for 2 marine blocks. Do I need to cover the entire refugium bottom like you did?

[@cichlid43]

I ordered some "live sand", is buying live rock redundant?

[@cplcouture]

After several month do you stll enjoy the rock? Does it get enought sealife in it for natural filtration? Would you recommend its use for small all in one tank?

[@cplcouture]

BulkReefSupplyCom yes

[@aaronr336]

how long would it take to ship 5 pounds of reef saver rock to utah?

[@georgearias7336]

Ryan, I live in NYC. Do you think it's possible to get rid of pests that a rock could carry on by placing it for a few days outdoors in the cold during winter time??

[@georgearias7336]

Thank you

[@goodall1bay]

If you get a algae growth, isn't that why we keep tangs ?

[@jennanation6992]

How long doe s live rock stay live if left in a container with maybe a wave maker and I could add some water from a water change? Do i keep feeding the rock to keep it live? My small frag tank wont be ready for a few days at least or maybe a week. I neeed to paint the back black! ? Do I still need to follow the rule of 1 lb per gallon for a 20 gallon frag tank for softies?

[@BRStv]

As far as the bacteria goes, live rock can stay "live" for quite a while if you have heat and flow. Just keep in mind that if you have anything living on the rock that requires light (like coralline algae), you'll also need to provide a light source if you want to keep that other life alive. Most reefers will paint the back of their tank black, but it's really for aesthetic reasons only and won't cause you to have or not have success. 1 lb per gallon is a good starting point, but not a requirement by any means. More rock means more surface area for beneficial bacteria to help naturally filter the tank, so just keep that in mind when setting your system up.

[@Reelunique]

Do you have to cure the rocks for a safe tank?

[@boostedbadboyzx12r31]

How often do you need to clean the marine pure rock?

[@boostedbadboyzx12r31]

BulkReefSupplyCom cool thank you guys. Love your video's

[@jamesmorrison1166]

Probably a good idea on marine pure blocks. I wish someone would cycle a tank bare bottom with only a power head, then add ammonia and the thick block version. The claim is the the thicker block can reduce nitrate since its deeper pour network works like a large piece of live rock. Lets find out.