questions about buying used live rock - Aquarium Advice

want2findnemo · 07-23-2008, 10:52 PM

I have some questions if I was to buy someone elses live rock who was taken apart their tank.

How do I test it to see if they used copper?

What is the proper method of holding the rock until my DT is fully set up and still maintain as much purple algae?

Cuz Im still in the middle of making my sump.

Thanks in advanced...

**Ziggy953** · 07-24-2008, 07:13 AM

The easiest way to find out if they used copper based meds is to ask them. If you aren't sure and they aren't sure then I would pass on the rock. I had some offered to me for free but the person couldn't remember if they had or hadn't used copper. I turned it down.

You will need to keep the rock in SW with a power head. A skimmer wouldn't hurt either.

How long ago did they take their tank down? Has the rock been out of water?

want2findnemo · 07-24-2008, 07:37 AM

aww so theres no way to test to see if they have used it? (copper)

um im not sure i will have to ask the guy

**roka64** · 07-24-2008, 08:55 AM

You can put it in your tub and wait a few days and see if copper is leeching into the water.
I agree with Ziggy but wanted to add, you will need a heater too.

ccCapt · 07-24-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

aww so theres no way to test to see if they have used it? (copper)

If they did use copper, it would leech out at such a slow rate a normal hobby grade test kit would never pick it up. Only way to know is ask.

Quote:

I agree with Ziggy but wanted to add, you will need a heater too.

Or a chiller...depending on the weather.

**roka64** · 07-24-2008, 10:36 AM

LOL! True!

want2findnemo · 07-24-2008, 09:43 PM

Alright thanks everyone. Unfortuntly the guy said he sold it. But now I know what to do if I manage to get used LR from someone.

**Ziggy953** · 07-25-2008, 11:56 AM

You can also buy base rock. With base rock you don't have to worry about die off because it is already dead. It cost a lot less and in time becomes LR.

**roka64** · 07-25-2008, 01:34 PM

Well, I wouldn't say all base rock won't have die-off. I have found quite a few dead critters in my Marco rocks order, mainly serpent stars, so just be aware.

want2findnemo · 07-25-2008, 01:49 PM

Ya i really wanted to order from Macro, but they dont ship to me

07-23-2008, 10:52 PM	#1
want2findnemo Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 186	questions about buying used live rock I have some questions if I was to buy someone elses live rock who was taken apart their tank. How do I test it to see if they used copper? What is the proper method of holding the rock until my DT is fully set up and still maintain as much purple algae? Cuz Im still in the middle of making my sump. Thanks in advanced...

07-24-2008, 07:13 AM	#2
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 3,873 Images: 5	The easiest way to find out if they used copper based meds is to ask them. If you aren't sure and they aren't sure then I would pass on the rock. I had some offered to me for free but the person couldn't remember if they had or hadn't used copper. I turned it down. You will need to keep the rock in SW with a power head. A skimmer wouldn't hurt either. How long ago did they take their tank down? Has the rock been out of water? __________________ Happy Reefing! *120 Build in progress 6/18/08* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here! Pods, algae and more!

07-24-2008, 08:55 AM	#4
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,894 Images: 12	You can put it in your tub and wait a few days and see if copper is leeching into the water. I agree with Ziggy but wanted to add, you will need a heater too. __________________ Age is relative, you are only as old as you act....of course, this works in reverse.... Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

07-24-2008, 10:36 AM	#6
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,894 Images: 12	LOL! True! __________________ Age is relative, you are only as old as you act....of course, this works in reverse.... Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

07-25-2008, 11:56 AM	#8
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 3,873 Images: 5	You can also buy base rock. With base rock you don't have to worry about die off because it is already dead. It cost a lot less and in time becomes LR. __________________ Happy Reefing! *120 Build in progress 6/18/08* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here! Pods, algae and more!

07-24-2008, 07:37 AM	#3
want2findnemo Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 186	aww so theres no way to test to see if they have used it? (copper) um im not sure i will have to ask the guy

07-24-2008, 09:43 PM	#7
want2findnemo Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 186	Alright thanks everyone. Unfortuntly the guy said he sold it. But now I know what to do if I manage to get used LR from someone.

07-25-2008, 01:34 PM	#9
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,894 Images: 12	Well, I wouldn't say all base rock won't have die-off. I have found quite a few dead critters in my Marco rocks order, mainly serpent stars, so just be aware. __________________ Age is relative, you are only as old as you act....of course, this works in reverse.... Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

07-25-2008, 01:49 PM	#10
want2findnemo Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 186	Ya i really wanted to order from Macro, but they dont ship to me

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