Questions-

Viv · 10-25-2006, 04:13 PM

I got two questions..
1. Isn't running the tank BB like constant cooking of the rock? I mean basically the only change is adding some light.
2. Is the rock ratio to gallon hooey? I mean if bacteria is so small and all over, isn't it on the glass, overflow, sump and skimmer. When it is scrapped off the glass, doesn't new bacteria growth begin to replace it?
Guess I added a third...but I wonder if you put a completely sterile rock into the tank, ie. a boiled in water rock, (not cooked-boiled) wouldn't it pick up new bacteria from the walls and such?
Ok, that was a 4th...

And bacteria grow pretty fast, so wouldn't they inhabit the sterile rock quickly?
Yea, that was the last!!

Little Luey · 10-25-2006, 05:38 PM

1. Well, when you run BB you also add live stock and all the stuff that comes with it, food and waste. So, no i don't think it is the same; the way I see cooking LR is to also kill all unwanted live forms (aiptasia, algie) this is why you do not put any food in your dark container so there is no nutrients in there.
2. I was never completly satisfied/convinced about the 1-2lbs per gallons rule. I like room for my fish to swim and putting 2lbs of rock in the tank will take up a lot of swiming room in it. I prefer to do a bigger, more frequent WC. I believe bacteria will populate every inch or real state in the tank, and yes, new rock or the plastic treasure box added in the tank will be covered in bacteria. But I have no idea how fast it will populate new items in the tank.

gwaco · 10-25-2006, 07:33 PM

1. yes
2. yes,yes,yes !

yes the rock cooks in a lighted tank but the process will be slower because you will be adding more competition .
i think that 1/2# per gallon is more reasonable , but i also think that one 20# piece is better than 5 - 4# pieces also . not that the 5 smaller pieces won't work , but those 5 smaller pieces have a better chance of bringing in something that you don't want , like say bryopsis or valonia !
and yes when we clean the glass we dislodge bacteria along with algae , and i hate that it grows back after two days and i have to do it again !!!!!!!
and finally everything Luey said !