Live Rock Question

[Smokey84]

Hey all, new reefer here and I'm looking for a little help. I picked up my first saltwater tank last month and have it all plumped and running but had to wait to pick up my live rock because I'm on a budget. It's a 65g.

I'm looking to start a reef tank so I'm wondering what you all thought about what type of live rock to start with. Wet Pets has some Carbiaben rock but I was reading that it takes 2lbs of Atalntic rock per gallon to setup a proper filteration system and it only takes 1lb per gallon for Pacific.

Would it be better to wait and find some Pacific rock like Fiji or Marshall Island or will the Carbibanen be ok? Anyone around the area have any Pacific rock?

Thanks all,
Chris

 

[raynist]

I bought most of my live rock from elmer's. They usually get a good supply in and it is usually cured. They are also cheaper than Wet Pets. If you buy over 30lbs it is $5 a pound. If you belong to PMAS you get 10% off so it will be $4.50 a pound.

I think the rock I got from there was Fiji rock. This was about a 9 months ago.

--Ray

 

[acroconut]

Just be sure you are getting rock that is free of undesirable algae or pests. I bought very nice deep water rock from Aquacon in Florida. The rock was pricey, but of awesome quality. After the tank had been running for about 5 months, I realized I needed a couple more pieces of live rock, so I went to a reputable LFS nearby and bought a couple nice looking pieces. I also ended up acquiring Valonia and Aiptasia which weren't visible on the rock when I bought it. I could kick myself for adding that other rock to my tank. Deep water rock is a bit more expensive, but in my opinion well worth the price. I managed to get rid of the aip's, but I'm still struggling with the Valonia.

 

[Steven Pro]

I prefer rock of Pacific origin over Caribbean unless you intend to do an Atlantic biotope.

Also, if you are willing to cure it yourself, liverock is one of those few things that I would consider buying online because of the cost savings as well as the potential for acquiring a greater diversity of life, if you cure it right.

 

[Smokey84]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll start looking around online and see what I can find.

I like the looks of Fiji and Marshall Island so I'll see what I can dig up.

Thanks again.

 

[no hater clubs]

I just picked up some tonga kalenni,tonga slab and fijji at under the sea.They have 4 different types of live rock up there with alot of life on them.Better get up there fast they're going like hotcakes.

 

[Smokey84]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7136936#post7136936 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by no hater clubs
I just picked up some tonga kalenni,tonga slab and fijji at under the sea.They have 4 different types of live rock up there with alot of life on them.Better get up there fast they're going like hotcakes.

Thank you, I'll head over tomorrow and see what they have left.

 

[BeanAnimal]

You are on a budget... so my personal advice would be to aquascape your tank with base rock.

http://www.reeferrocks.com has some great stuff.

Add a pound or two of live rock from one of the local stores and maybe a cup or two of live sand. This should get your cycle started. You will save a lot of money that you can then put towards livestock at the local stores.

All of your "dead" base rock will quickly become live rock. You will also avoid a lot of the problems associated with "live rock" of unknown origin or quality.

Bean

 

[raynist]

Bean has a good point. I bought rock from them for my 180. I think I bought 120lbs or so. I set the tank up in November and most of this rock is now covered in coraline and looks just like the rock I paid $5 a pound for.

--Ray

 

[carpenterwrasse]

If your interested in some base rock I have a couple lbs I'll sell you cheap..pm me and maybe we can make a deal.
George

 

[BeanAnimal]

I am putting an order in soon for some more reeferrocks.... I just can't seem to keep enough rubble around.

 

[Smokey84]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the help. The wife wasn't to happy but I did pick up 45 lbs of Tonga Kalenni and 20 pounds of Tonga Branch. The guys at Under the Sea were very helpful, it was well worth the trip.

Great looking rock, couldn't believe how unique it was and the color that was already on it. Now to start aquascaping!

Went over on the budget but now with the rock in there I can regroup the bank account while tank begins it's transformation.

Thanks again for all the help everyone.