Loading ...Just came across this article in my news feed. It talks about speeding up the cure cycle that live rock goes through.
Well since most organisms other algae that come on live rock are filter feeders I used Marc Weiss Spectra Vital . Here is a quote from the container “Spectra Vital is a revolutionary marine biocatalyst that will bring the organisms in your reef aquarium alive! Many organisms that would normally perish during the curing or acclimation of live rock can now survive, thanks to Spectra Vital. Delicate sponges, tunicates, and filter feeders flourish. Colorful life that you didn’t even know existed in your live rock blossoms! Also supplies necessary biocatalysts required by some species of larval fishes to survive and grow. ” I also added calcium along with purple up.
The credibility of the article hit rock bottom when it got to suggesting Purple Up. I’m not sure if it’s a sneaky ad for Spectra Vital.
See that orange stuff in the middle? Yeah, it’s gonna die.
The die off in newly aquired live rock is not from lack of feeding, but rather because live rock is shipped ‘moist’ so as to be lighter. Any animals that survive shipment are purely lucky. Delicate organisms like sponges will survive, but most of their bodies will die off due to air trapped inside. The ammonia spike is from decaying organic material.
The best thing you can do is to add a skimmer to take out the dissolved organize compounds (DOC).
Unfortunately, it seems some people are following the above advice.
One of my favourite quotes in the hobby:
In the hobby since 2001, and has seen all kinds of fads come and go. As he gets older, Jeff is developing more and more of a conscience towards environmental concerns, especially towards reefs. Currently, he writes from Ontario, Canada, but would rather be snorkeling on a reef.
Agreed … this hobby requires patience and almost all newbie’s can’t wait.
There is an interesting new idea, using an ORP probe to monitor your cycle. I cannot remember where i read it, but this sounds like a great method to keep you from adding anything to your new tanks too early.
S
You probably read it here: http://blog.fragd.it/2009/01/22/utilizing-redox-for-a-cycle/
“Nothing good happens quickly.” Great mantra.