What to look for when purchasing live rock

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by nemo723, Nov 15, 2010.

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  1. nemo723

    nemo723 Astrea Snail

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    I am going to look at some 'live rock' tomorrow that a friend of a friend has. He has several hundred lbs because he took down his large tank a month or two ago. Anyways, he says the rock has been cycling in water since...Is there certain things I can look for on the rocks to see if they are still live (besided the obvious coraline algae and such) I have only purchased live rock from my LFS. I am putting this rock in a 65 gallon tank I just started up.
     
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    You want to avoid LR with

    Aiptasia
    Mojano
    Caulpera
    Byropsis
    GHA

    Any of those would be a deal breaker for me.
     
  4. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    +1 on what Corrailine said. You won't be able to tell if the bacteria is live or not, though.
     
  5. aquariaman

    aquariaman Pajama Cardinal

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    If you see any small anemone on it.. kill it!! Aiptasia is a reef tank killer! Amen
     
  6. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    byropsis being the number one thing to avoid.

    Also, you should look for coraline, featherdusters. Maybe check out if there is any worms in it or other life. Most stuff is good though.

    Its more about what NOT to get on it