Adding the Live Rock

We have added the live rock. It is known as live as it has many organisms living on it which aid the filtration of the tank. The rock was purchased from a local marine fish retailer as they have the best prices for live rock we currently know. Only £11.95 per kilogram! Typically it is around £15 per kilo. We purchased around 6.2 kilograms of live rock which should have enough positive influence on the filtration. The rock is from Indonesia which is the best grade of rock available as it is the most porous. The price does not vary with type of rock so it costs no extra than Fiji or other rock types. The porous holes in the rock increase surface area and therfore create better water contact with the bacteria on the rock. the holes also provide places for the fish to hide. Also with more holes you get bigger size rocks for less cost so the aquarium looks fuller with rock for the money. We placed the rock in the tank in the desired layout and are now waiting for them to flourish with growth. This addition will create a nitrogen spike in the water die to the dead organisms currently on the rock but this will clear when the rock bacteria begins to grow.
     The rocks must now be left, with the lighting on them, 12 hours a day for 1-5 weeks so that the tank can complete a full Nitrogen Cycle and become known as 'Seasoned' (where the nitrate cycle has fully completed and organisms may be added).