Is coral covered live rock still a viable filtration media, or a nutrient trap ?

[Aquattro]

Good question. I think it's not really a concern, as most coral encrust a relatively small area in relation to the "crown". Even when my tank was fully stocked, there was plenty of exposed rock surface below the coral.

[gregzz4]

I think about some of the encrusting pests that I currently have, and they are completely covering the rock

IE; pink/red monti, and all the zoas. Man, there's zoas Everywhere

[gregzz4]

If you need an example I'll post some pics ... my rocks are SMOTHERED

[Aquattro]

Also, as I think about it, fully mature colonies will utilize nitrogen and phosphorous in there cellular makeup.

I saw a tank on RC that had about 1lb of rock per 10g and 0 nutrients. Big colonies though..

[Aquattro]

As per my example, I think as more coral grow, the less rock needs to do. You still have a large portion on the undersides that is exposed.

[gregzz4]

So the corals will use up the nutrients underneath themselves, and then no more nutrients reach the LR ?

I'd like to think that's the case

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

So the corals will use up the nutrients underneath themselves, and then no more nutrients reach the LR ?

I'd like to think that's the case

My guess is yes. I don't stock those types of coral, but many do without nutrient accumulation.

[gregzz4]

I hope you're right as, for now, I've got all kinds of trapped LR under corals I hope to evict some time this year, and it makes me wonder about nutrients

I'll post some pics in my build thread and link them here ...

Thanks Bradbo

[gregzz4]

I realise things all balance out in the ocean, and rocks get covered in corals, but how does it affect us reefers ?
No more bacteria ? Trapped PO4 ? No nitrogen activity ?

My tank is rather busy covering the rock right now

Sorry for the crappy pics ... my camera doesn't capture anything well when the whites are off

[Aquattro]

I suppose you can answer this better in 6 months