live rock

[akulamd]

I have kept my SW reef system for approximately 2 years now with certain degree of success. Recently, however, I have run into various problems re: maintaining the biological/chemical balance in the system. The question is: is there a life span to the live rock and should it be changed on a regular basis? All opinions/info appreciated. :thinkhard:

[icereefer]

I have found the biggest problem most have with there LR over time is poor detritivore eating critters.like pods bristle worms spaghette worms,ect.and not enough water flow to keep pores in the LR open, the main problem with LR is if you don't have these key eliments it's like anything else it will turn into nitrate factors same as a Deep sand base will if not maintained right, that's why I try not to over populate my tank with Manderins,dottybacks and any sand sifting fish, there after the key eliments that balances out our ecosystems that makes it work right. I like to add new Rock in my tank for one because I do use high water flow and because of that my LR breaks down because most LR is coral bone,thats why with random water changes and good water flow you shouldn't need to buffer that much.
I hope I explained Right what I was trying to get at .
Jim

Many people have had great success out with a dunking/swishing routine. Basically after a waterchange, keep the old water. Then grab a rock and dunk/swish/shake the living daylights out of it in this old water. Then put it back in the tank. You should also be turkey basting your rock on a regular basis so your skimmer can pick up the detritus.

If this isn't enough, you can consider cooking your rock.

[DKWICK]

Interesting thought. I like it. :idea: