Newbie Live Rock Questions

[rob020880]

Hello,

I am starting a new 130 gal 1/4 cylinder tank and had a few live rock questions. First of all where would you suggest I order from? I have not found nice rock in my area. I am looking to use fewer large pieces rather then many smaller ones. I also want to make many caves etc. On that note which type of rock would you suggest? I was thinking Fiji.

The other question I had regards curing the rock. Can I cure the rock in my tank since its a new tank? Is this okay or will I create problems for myself by doing this? Please let me know what you think, any advice would be great!

Thanks,
Robert

 

[rustybucket145]

For the best fit it's better to DIY your rock. There's a long thread here on the ingredients and I think garf.org has a pretty good recipe. I used theirs to make mine with. VERY nice!! after a couple of months in the tank you can't even tell it's manmade.

 

[Amoore311]

Get your live rock from ReeferMadness (Click for link).

Ask for Chris Wray he is the general manager. Once you've figured out what kind of rock you're interested in, you can specify the general size of the pieces you're looking for.

They also offer a new aquarium discount.

Purchase one full box (45lbs minimum) or more of live rock.

Then receive 10% off of any cleaner package.

When you are ready to add livestock, you will receive a discount on your first livestock purchase based on the amount you spend.

This is all listed on their site.

As far as curing the rock goes, I would recommend just buying the fully cured L/R. Curing L/R from scratch is to much of a pain in the *** for me. It smells, takes forever to cure from scratch, and you have constantly vacuum the detritus that falls out/off of the rock. Fully cured rock you have a much less chance of getting unwanted "friends" also (Gorilla Crabs, Mantis Shrimp, etc.)

My tank was fully cycled in 3 days from their fully cured Live rock. If you do decide to get the uncured rock it can take 3 weeks + to fully cure, but you can do it right in your display if you don't mind the smell, and you don't have anything living in the tank already.

 

[rob020880]

Which rock would you suggest? I was thinking Fiji or Tonga which is better?

 

[rob020880]

Which place would you guys recommend for large cured pieces?