Quick Live rock question

APC · 05-24-2005, 05:35 AM

Hi All,

Has anyone used www.liverocks.com before? I am considering ordering some rock for my new tank from them in the next week or so. My communications with them have been very positive, but I am curious if anyone has actually seen their product.

Any input you can provide is greatly appreciated. I am a new member at 3reef, but I have been monitoring the threads for a couple of weeks. Seems like you have a great community set up here!

Thanks

mmakay · 05-24-2005, 12:47 PM

I don't have experience with them, but I've heard a lot about Tampa Bay Saltwater, which is very similar. Here are some things to think about:

1) Teaming with life is true. You will probably get more "stuff" on these rocks than from other sources.; good and bad. Mantis shrimp and gorilla crabs are common hitchhikers on florida rock, and you will need to get rid of them. But, you may get some cool stars, urchins, etc. too. (Sponges, corals, etc. rarely survive, but you might get lucky.)

2) Aquacultered rock is very dense (heavy). They do this on purpose so their investment doesn't wash away during tropical storms. It's not a bad thing, except that you need more rock to do the same job of biofiltration. Instead of 1 pound per gallon like you would use for Fiji rock, aim for closer to 2lbs/gallon.

3) They aren't cheap. Liveaquaria has their Fiji rock on sale right now - $99 for 45lbs. (Normally only $119). Shipping isn't cheap, but it's way less than $125 per box!

Hope this helps.

APC · 05-24-2005, 04:19 PM

Great Information. Thank you for the feedback I really appreciate it.

My plan is to stick with 100% aquacultured on this tank - Rock, Corals, and maybe a few select fish. Kind of an experiment. I am curious to see if you can get a high quality (Health, visual appeal, etc) tank without using anything wild caught.

I am going to give liverocks.com a shot, and I will keep you all posted on what the product is like.

Thanks again for your input. I am very likely going to increase the qty. of rock ordered based on your information..

APC · 06-21-2005, 05:09 PM

Hey all,

A quick follow up on this. I got my live rock from www.liverocks.com. It is GREAT! I got the Fl. Keys rock. It was very clean, and full of live. I have had very little die off. I have been having a hard time taking a digital picture of it...but if you go out to their site and look at the photo for FL. Keys live rock, it is a VERY accurate representation. The stuff is beautiful. I am ordering another load this week.