Is this an art or a science

[Brad Moehl]

Howdy

Got a thousand questions, studing hard, I'll learn as we go. If I have a real cool rock with lots of holes and hideing places, nothing live on it. Can I Put it into the tank and turn it in to a live rock? Do I add anything to the water to do this?

Do I have to feed the invertabrates or can they live on the ecosystem I am createing?

What is the correct amount of live stock to add at once?

Thanks
Brad 8O

 

[ChrisRD]

If I have a real cool rock with lots of holes and hideing places, nothing live on it. Can I Put it into the tank and turn it in to a live rock? Do I add anything to the water to do this?

Yes, it's possible to do this with different types of inert sand/rock. Generally you'll want to seed it with some real live sand/rock to add the necessary life into the system.

Do I have to feed the invertabrates or can they live on the ecosystem I am createing?

Many inverts will eat leftover food/waste from fish feedings, or whatever algaes are growing in the system. Some capture/culture their own food supply. Certain corals, anemones, etc. however, some may require additional target feeding. It really depends on what inverts you're talking about...

What is the correct amount of live stock to add at once?

Depends on what kind of livestock, how large the system is, etc. Too many variables to give a rule-of-thumb answer. To have the least chance of a negative impact on the system it's best to add very slowly.

 

[Len]

I'm gonna be a dittohead and agree with everything Chris advised.

This hobby is 1/3rd science, 1/3rd art, and 1/3rd voodoo

 

[Johnsteph10]

Len -- and 99/3 a very patient spouse . . . .

 

[Anonymous]

people who practice a techincal craft that employs artistic design are generally considered "artisans" ... i would say that reefers fit the bill