Rock Cleaning

[tdgates10]

Is there any problem with taking rock out of the tank and scrubbing the algae and detritus off in a bucket of sw?
Thanks

 

[roscoe]

I've done it plenty of times. You will have die off from scrubbing the rock and depends on how much rock and how big your tank is you might go through a mini cylce, but that didn't bother me too much. Just my experience.

Sarang

 

[tdgates10]

I figured that I might start up a little cycle but it needs to get done. Hopefully won't be that big of a cycle! Thanks

 

[plack]

If you keep the sponges in water and mostly only scub off algae I doubt you would get any noticable cycle.

 

[returnofsid]

I've done it a couple of times in 2 different tanks...used a toothbrush. Gave it back to the owner when done...lol. I noticed no cycle at all.

 

[FraggleRock]

Iv done it also and seemingly it does not create a swing in the tank. I usually do it only when a deep cleaning is due! In the past I used to do it alot, until I got my bio under control and established. I see no problem w it. When Im curing I will do some scrubbing only after I eyeball the pieces. Obviously make sure your not scrubbing any minute crustations,like baby mushrooms. GOOD luck pally.

 

[Scooterman]

I did about 20lbs Tuesday with a stiff plastic brush, in a tub of old salt water & plopped it back in, man it was bad. Depending on the size of you tank & amount of LR Just do a little at a time, do it in the water your changing out in also.

 

[burning2nd]

ya i did that... and it made things worse....

depends on what your scratching off.

 

[OldFishMan]

Hello;

I have never removed my live rock from the tank. I use a bottle brush to remove cyano and lightly clean the rock. If you have sponge on the rock and they trap air when removed --- they will die off. Sponge is the most valued filter in your tank --- a turkey baster will blow the rock clean after a light cleaning.

IMHO -- I have a problem with tank water going to a sump or other device that will trap waste before it goes through a filter. Water should also be cleaned by a filter before being used for water movement or this waste will collect in the small crevices in the rocks etc. I use polyester fill in a canister filter basket to remove small particles and change it once a week to reduce nitrates. My water changes consist of changing 2-gallons of water in my filter once a week!

Enjoy!