Live Rock on line

[Neal Flomenberg]

Setting up my first reef tank (75 Gallon with Refugium in sump).

My local dealer has live rock for $6 to $15 per pound. I've seen ads for live rock over the net that are as low as $3 per pound with free shipping for a hundred pound order. Supposedly cured and ready to go.

Anyone have experience with getting live rock shipped? I don't want to spend $600-$1500 on live rock, but I'm also concerned that you get what you pay for.

Appreciate any thoughts,
Neal

 

[TippyToeX]

One good thing about buying LR from your LFS is that you can pick out the size and shapes you like best. Sometimes that is not an option when you order online.

I've ordered from Reefermadness and was very pleased with that I received. I did call and ask for certain shapes and sizes, and did get them as I had hoped.

 

[MattG]

The biggest advantages I see for buying your rock local is its usually already cured and as Tippy pointed out you can pick your sizes/shapes.

Live rock online might be precured but its not cured by the time it gets to your door. There are a few online places that will ship the rock submerged in water which can be close to cured.

If you place your rock order online you will most likely still need to cure the rock. Its up to you whether the cost difference is worth it to you. For me, the cost of local live rock is much too high.

Another option is to order rock from the lfs or online and pick out some base rock(much cheaper) with shapes/sizes that you like. The base rock will eventually become 'live'.

 

[ALTI]

where r u from? check the reef club forums for a club in your area. you could find some cheap cured rock there.

 

[gsrracer]

interesting