Rock cooking questions

[xaoss23]

Im getting REALLY pissed at the $550+ of rock that has gotten covered with Hair and Cotton Algae... Im considering "cooking".

How many people have done this?
Do you lose ALL life on the rock? (hitch-hikers, ie corals/featherdusters/snails)
Anyone know where I can find procedures and more info?

Thanks for any input...

[craigGP]

here is a link to a thread where i put some info in on this topic. there should be a link to a RC thread that discusses this in depth.

i have cooked some rock and am really happy with the results. there are still critters alive, including some aiptasia that i have been killing with joe's juice. i continuously find pods, brittle stars, stars, etc in the rock too. i wouldn't recommend cooking a rock covered with your favorite coral without at least fragging it for safe keeping, if not removing the coral entirely. not worth the chance.

http://thereeftank.com/forums/showth...hlight=cooking

[Viv]

How much room around the rocks does there have to be? Or can the final tub be jam packed with the rock.

[reef_noob]

They can be packed in pretty tight. I've been cooking mine since the end of july. It's not really putting out much detritus anymore. I've had total algae die off, 50% corraline die off and good bit of die off of critters that require light.

I'm going to be putting it all back in the tank mid october. I really feel like this was the right thing to do. The rock looks clean and it has pumped out a crapload of junk. Admittedly, it takes a good bit of work and space, and it kinda sucks to have your main tank emptied of rock but I think it will be well worth it.

[Viv]

Love this place! Instant info so one can start, rather than spending days/weeks doing research! Just gotta love it!

[VWD]

Hey Tony thats a real drag to have that happen to your rock, I have never done it but have heard of alot of people that have, and had good luck doing it. Good luck with your rock.

[xaoss23]

hey guys... thanks for the responses. I think Im going to wait it out a little bit and see what happens... Ive got a lawnmower blenny going to town on it and got a few extra hermies. Im getting some recession but its just slow. I figure if I dont see significant results by November(ish) then Ill be "cooking".
Thanks again for the replies/references...