How to Seed Base Rock
- 1). Fill your plastic tub with saltwater. A 35-gallon tub is best for about 40 lbs. of live rock. Do not fill the tub all the way to the top. Remember that the rock will displace water and it could come over the sides if it is full.
- 2). Test the saltwater's pH. The water should have a pH between 8.2 and 8.4. Use a pH increasing or decreasing chemical kit, if needed.
- 3). Use your hydrometer to make sure the water has a specific gravity of 1.021 to 1.025. Lower or raise the gravity of the water to this range if needed with more or less salt.
- 4). Use your thermometer to get a reading of the water temperature. The water should be anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees F for the best results.
- 5). Use a gloved hand to remove the spongy portions of your live rock. These dead sponges come off if you pull at them. Remove any shrimp or crabs that may also be on the rock. Scrub the rock with a soft brush to speed up the seeding process.
- 6). Put the live rock into the water. Leave the rocks in the water for two to four weeks. Insert your powerheads into the water and then turn them on. These keep the water oxygenated to start seeding the rocks with oxygen.
- 7). Test the water with an ammonia kit every two to three days to keep the ammonia levels down. Change out the water as needed to remove the ammonia. Test the water with your nitrate kit to keep the nitrate levels down. Both of these can kill your base rocks.
- 8). Place the rock in the aquarium once they are ready. Seeded base rock have bacteria and mosslike coverings on them.
Source...