Out of water

[ReefCheif]

How long can I keep live rock out of water before I need to be concerned?

Ive got 200lbs curing, will be done by next week. I want to be able to lay the rock out on a tarp so I can select pieces as I re do my stack, but Im not sure how long the rock can be out of water before I need to be concerned with die off or anything like that.

 

[xxHLTxx]

I've heard as long as the rock stays within +/- 10 degrees of tank water temp and stays damp its good. the second it dries out or gets too cold it will start to die off

 

[ReefCheif]

Ill just keep the house a little warmer that day and keep a spray bottle of tank water by my side. I think that will work to keep it temperate and damp.

 

[xxHLTxx]

sounds about right to me... i kept newspaper next to me and a bucket of tank water and i have a little space heater. turned the space heater on and a fan to blow the heat onto the table i was working on, and when i got a portion setup i just threw the newspaper over top that was damp and sprayed as necessary... space heater > turning heat up in the whole house. haha... but if u don't have 1 it isn't worth the $30 unless u go return right after
:idea:

 

[ReefCheif]

Thats a great idea with the space heater.

 

[xxHLTxx]

yep, just watch how close u get it to the rocks and what not. i stuck it on the left end of the table and a fan blowing 90degrees so that it blew the hot air down the side i was constructing. if its too close or not enough circulation u could overheat the rock and do the same as letting it get too cold. :upset: also be careful cuz heat = dry.... watch the stuff closest to the heater to avoid drying out in areas you aren't looking at

 

[09bumblebee]

For what it's worth I moved a tank a few months ago and had the rock sitting on a tarp for a few hrs while we set the new tank at a new location. All livestock went back in without any issues. So I think you have a few hrs before you need to worry. I added bacteria to the tank when we were done so hurry up already lol

 

[Smiley]

Thats a great idea with the space heater.

and dont forget newspaper....

 

[Smiley]

:target: