Getting undesirable critters off new live rock

[jddias67]

Hello All - I am planning to put about 100lbs of "cured" live rock into a 120 gal new tank in a week or so. ' any thoughts on how to best remove mantis shrimp or other potential troublemakers? I am planning on a hypersaline dip for minute or so -- does this work? Any tips? ' any suggetsed readings?
Thanks - john

 

[Fishboy-from-NY]

I would like to know too, since I will be purchasing live rock soon.

 

[Atari]

Since its a new tank I'd just dump all the rock in. If/when any 'bad guys' show up it will give you something to do while the tank matures.

 

[dralarms]

it will give you something to do while the tank matures.

Yea, like chase them around the tank. . There are 3 anveues here,

1. Leave em. Catch them when you can unless you have a problem.

2. high sg dip, then sort through the critters and decide which ones you want.

3. carbonated water dip, same as 2.

I personally like the high sg dip if you have to.

Unfortunatly I am still new and don't know about all the "wanted and not wanted" so I chose option 1 on my last order. Actually glad I did. Found out today I have a porclin (spelling) (take it easy on me Bearfan) , and I think I have a pistol shrimp. Once in a while I hear a "popping" sound comming from my tank. Almost like a click? HTH

 

[Bearfan]

Here's the Carbonated Water Dip I did and was very happy with.

 

[24 hours? NE!]

The other option is to trap them if you can. The size of the hitchiker can help make your decision.

 

[Bearfan]

The other option is to trap them if you can. The size of the hitchiker can help make your decision.

Good luck with traps on 100#...I did a carbonated water dip and then trapped the remaining. Glad I did the dip first.

 

[jr5018]

either the high sg dip or carbonated dip work best imo

 

[fishman]

Just out of curiosity how much does 100LBS of LR cost??

 

[Bearfan]

Think I spent ~$350 shipped.

 

[Atari]

Think I spent ~$350 shipped.

Wow, you wouldn't even get 50 lbs for that here.

 

[Shultz]

Think I spent ~$350 shipped.

Wow, you wouldn't even get 50 lbs for that here.

Yeap, just paid £189 for 20kgs (44lbs) here, came today from STM & I did the carbonated dip on it, nothing came out though

The rock was well packed in a thick cling film type stuff & smelt ok on unwrapping, bloody surprised though just how little rock that is & I only have a 30gal tank!!

Gonna stack the rock in the tank with help from wifey tonight & then I'll add a couple of raw tiger prawns to get the cycle going

Its exciting now!

Cheers Shelton.

 

[jddias67]

Live rock cost

I ended up ordering 70lbs tonga and 44lbs fiji from Marine Depot for $500 w/shipping. It is scheduled to be delivered on 7/14.

 

[fishman]

Good Lord!! Well if where you work needs to hire someone with a marketing degree, let me know as I would LOVE to afford that much!! I thought I was a big timer by spending $300 on an aquarium!!
Good for you!! thats awesome!

 

[TygGer]

Think I spent ~$350 shipped.

Where did you order from?

 

[jddias67]

' got the rock!

I got the rock today from Marine Depot (spoke to "Robert" via phone)--it is beautiful! The tonga is covered with pink, orange, neon green and purple. The Fiji has a nice purple coloration. I ended up with 46 lbs Fiji, about 80 lbs Tonga and 50 lbs base rock.

 

[TygGer]

Cool. Think you can take any pics? Also, did it come with a lot of hitchhikers?

 

[jddias67]

' sorry - I don't have a digital camera or I would post some pics. As for hitchikers I haven't found anything but some small snails. --jd

 

[Nitrate]

The definition of "Bad Hitchhiker" is dependant on what kind of tank you want. If its FOWLR then you wont need to weed out near as many critters. I have a predatory tank and I didn't do any dips and set any traps. My puffer, lion, filefish, and frogfish have thoroughly enjoyed removing the hitchhikers. None of my fish are juveniles, so I doubt anything in the rock could do much more than annoy them before becoming a snack.

I paid almost $5.00 a lb with shipping.