Brad's 100 'n Change Cube-like Journal

[Aquattro]

Another month down, decided to start growing out some cyano, lots available, free shipping with any order -lol

Growth is slower than I'd like, likely due to PO4 levels higher than optimum. Colors are good on some pieces, lacking on others, some pieces got tossed. Overall, just waiting another 4 - 8 weeks, if I'm not happy with it I'll get a box of real rock.
Seriously regret using dead rock, most difficult tank build I've ever done.

[don.ald]

4-8 weeks more and your rock will be real!

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by don.ald

4-8 weeks more and your rock will be real!

That's what everyone tells me, so I'll wait until the end of November to make any decisions, but my gut instinct is that no, it will still be dirty sludgy rock full of decay.
I've built a lot of tanks over the years, and I thought I knew better, but went with popular opinion and used cheap dead rock. That was a mistake. It may clean up, but I'm budgeting for a box of rock now

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I'm budgeting for a box of rock now

Good plan
I'm thinking about firing up some tubs to cure new-to-me rock and start over

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Good plan
I'm thinking about firing up some tubs to cure new-to-me rock and start over

I wouldn't do "new to me" rock. Get over to J&L and buy a box.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I wouldn't do "new to me" rock. Get over to J&L and buy a box.

Ya, that's gonna take a lot of frags to pay for ...

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Ya, that's gonna take a lot of frags to pay for ...

It's $300, think of the grief you'd save. I have never, in all my years, ever had problems using fresh live rock. The bit of money saved going dry or dead just isn't worth it. That's my take anyway.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

That's what everyone tells me, so I'll wait until the end of November to make any decisions, but my gut instinct is that no, it will still be dirty sludgy rock full of decay.
I've built a lot of tanks over the years, and I thought I knew better, but went with popular opinion and used cheap dead rock. That was a mistake. It may clean up, but I'm budgeting for a box of rock now

i never have issues with it , even on my new build its all dry pukani and i am having no nutrient issues or po4 issues. quick diatom bloom but thats about it

i used hundred of pounds of it in our 500g tank and that too went fine with no curing, added in sept fish in after a few weeks later

[Aquattro]

I dunno Denny, I read so many threads where people have issues, then comments like yours. So I said screw it, and used dead because of the pieces I had access to. But for me, it has been a problem. Where anytime I've used fresh rock, no issues ever.
Then you read threads about the 12 years worth of curing you need to do, and I question why go through all that when real rock is just a bit more, especially for sub 100g tanks. For me, time is money and I would rather spend an extra 100 bucks or so and just enjoy watching my reef, not trying to fit my lawn mower in it

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

not trying to fit my lawn mower in it

Nailed