LR Questions.. (Help please)

[kamla]

LRââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¦
O.K. I have 2 sources for the LR, help pick one and educated me on pro and con of each type..

Pleaseââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¦.

1) Online.. I can get cured or uncured LR
2) Buy LR that has been in some ones tank for 2~3 years.

What is difference b/t these types or LR.. and which one is better in the long run.

Thanks

 

[Konadog]

Well, IMO
1) You really don't know what your getting, size wise etc. and with shipping, it's going to be expensive per #

2) You can see what your getting and make a choice if you want it. No shipping cost, and you should be able to get it cheaper per #.

Hard to tell which one is better without seeing, but IMO it's better to recycle rock.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

plus if you get it out of someones tank it will be truely fully cured. Nothing, or extremely little will die in the short transport vs quite a bit dieing from shipping. if you really want to keep all the sponges alive transport it submerged, yet another option you cant get from shipping! (or at least without paying a huge amount)

 

[kamla]

o.k. thanks..
what about the good stuff that comes on th eLR Pods and little worms that help break down all the BAD stuff in the tank..

 

[Scuba_Steve]

they should be just as abundant in both cases, possibly more in the tank raised rock if they didnt have many predators. I got all my rock from my last tank from a private party off rc, and it was creawling with life. i even managed to get a lawnmower blenny as a hitchhiker lol.

 

[kamla]

thank you so much for your help..
i will buy LR from a private source.. its Fully cured and been in the tank for about 3 years..

us it only 3 $/lb.. that saves me money form frags..

 

[Reefy]

Note the conditions of your sources tank. Is there a lot of algae? Is it generally healthy looking? If possible get their nitrate and phosphate readings.

You are potentially buying nutrient rich rock that could cause you some grief. Also, inspect the rock closely for any unwanted reef pests. Aptasia, hydroids, algae, etc.

 

[kamla]

the person i buy from has lots of exp..
he sells frags to people all th etime..

i think he has a tight game .. when it comes to reefs..

Being a newbie to SW i will go with is recomendations..
thanks guys for your help..

know i have another question..
i am using reef Crystals to make water for WC.. do I need to add a buffer to help the PH, ALK nad Ca stable..

I will be doing about 8 gal a week for WC on my 29 gal tank..

 

[Scuba_Steve]

usually, yes, but the only way to be sure is to test your water after you make it. ph alk buffer should be all u need until u start keeping lps and sps or clams. 8 gallons a week is a bit overkill in a salt tank with lots of live rock, most do about 10% every other week. But it cant hurt, especially in a new tank. I dont think you can really do too many water changes.

 

[kamla]

kool... ..
which ph alk Buffer should i buy..

thanks again