My live rock order

[me myself & I]

I have some questions about my live rock order. I ordered 20 pounds of the Kaeline Tonga cured live rock and I received it yesterday. Now here in Cleveland Ohio where I live it was in the 20's. I would have thought that the rock would have had heat packs in it. I don't know how great of a effect cold weather has on the rock but I can't imagine it's all that good for it. My rocks were freezing cold when I opened them up. About 75% of the coralline has turned white. I'm not an expert and haven't had as much experience with this hobby as most people but when the rock is white does it mean it's dead? Granted the rock didn't smell horrible so maybe that's a good sign I think. I want to give the rock and your company a chance before I give up on it. So my question is are the rocks dead or will they come back to life? I know on the site it says it's normal for the rocks to look very faded until is cycled and then it will look like the ones in the picture do my rocks stand a chance to look like the ones on the website? Can live rock really survive basically being frozen? I'm not trying to knock your business but I have a lot of questions about this issue and want to feel like I wasn't sold bad rocks. Please help.

 

[eclecticvibe]

Hi,
Sorry that the rock arrived so cold. Most likely, it will still be fine. Obviously, the cold didn't do you any favors, but the rock SHOULD still have plenty of life. The coralline will color back up, even if it has bleached. In my opinion, that stuff grows like a weed, and you have to work to kill it off. I also expect your rock will still be bacteria laden, and capable of biological filtration. My biggest concern for loss of life would be microfauna like copepods and amphipods. They're very hardy creatures, but extreme temperatures would be hard on them. I think the best thing to do would be to keep an eye on the rock, and see how it starts to look once in your tank. If the rock doesn't quickly come up to par, let us know, and we'll see if we can't make this right. Did you order an insulated livestock box with the rock? If so, that should have contained heat packs during cold weather. If we didn't suggest one to you, I apologize for our lapse in judgment.

 

[me myself & I]

I'm not trying to bad mouth your company and want to give the rock a chance before I give up on it. I never heard or read anything about insulated boxes on your site. The only options I had was 1st class overnight and overnight delivery. I chose regular overnight since I wasn't sure what the difference was other than $10.00. I do plan on keeping my eyes on the rock and will keep you up to date on the matter. Thanks!!

 

[happyhourhero]

I ordered some as you did, but mine hasnt shipped yet apparently. When I ordered, the wax box prompt screen came up and I ordered it since its colder out.
However, I ordered 40 lbs a month ago and it never prompted me for the box. When it arrived, the box was in good shape and contained heat packs. The rock still looks fantastic with button polyps, various macroalgae, and lots of pods, snails, and micro stars.

Im hoping this order comes soon and Im sure it will look just as good.

 

[eclecticvibe]

It sounds like the website is being screwy. It should always pop up with that box. How's the rock looking?

 

[me myself & I]

I guess it's looking alright. I really can't tell if the pink coralline is new or if it's some of the stuff that was on it when I got it. My shipment came in a wax box too and I think it had a heatpack, it was a brown like media in a mesh bag but the media was no longer warm if indeed that's what that was. If the pods and microfauna have died off could I use a fresh piece of rock to seed the existing rock? Also how long on average does it take to see signs of new life? How much would you charge me for a really juicy chunk of rock loaded with all the good stuff to make my semi live rock spring back to life if that's the case? Thank you for your replys and concern! Also I received a wax box but never ask/ordered one for my shipment, strange.

 

[me myself & I]

I really think my rock will be alright! Almost everyday there is a little more coralline growth. I'm pretty new to this live rock thing and wasn't sure what to expect from it. I thought I would have this instant life and color addition in my tank but after a little research found out that it takes some time for all the life and colors to come around. I really can't wait to see what it's going to look like a couple of months from now. Now that I'm a little more informed about live rock I know that Premium Aquatics does have a good product. There was really no rubble and the pieces were all moist. Nice size pieces and nice shapes. Maybe just down the road maybe more heat packs should be added to the orders due to are cold climates. I will be ordering some more rock very soon from you. Thanks again.

 

[eclecticvibe]

Glad the rock is shaping up. It's amazing what you'll find in the rock months after it's been in your tank. Sponges start to regrow, microfauna explodes, and the coralline will eventually cover everything. Enjoy the rock, and send us some pictures if you can.