Question about Live Rock

[labatt]

If i were to purchase "cured" live rock form an online retailer or someone from here, and it takes like 2-3 days to get to me, would it still be "cured"? And if not, would the curing process be any shorter than a standard cruing time? Any other comments/advice about purchasing lr or anything of the sort would be great.
Thanks in advance

 

[HornetMech242]

With that much transit time there will be some die off. When you get the rock cycle it in a separate container if you have a established tank and keep an eye on the water parameters. When they stabilize throw it in the tank. If this is a new tank with no life in it, just put it directly in the tank. It will put your tank in a mini cycle. This means you will experience what you did when the tank is new just on a smaller scale. Either way keep an eye on water permitters and wait for it to stabilize.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[jeffb3t]

Also make sure to check your rock and clean off any sponges and stuff before you put it into the tank.

 

[labatt]

it is a new tank (at least it will be as soon as it arrives, lol). So it would be ok to just put it in once I get it set up and just include it in the first cycle? The reason that i ask is because it seems that i could obtain my lr online for about half the price of my lfs. but if its a problem or a huge hassel i would rather just pay the extra and not jeopardize my new and imo very expensive setup. i if makes a difference i will be using a bed of 3-4" of all ls on the bottom.
Thanks again

 

[mg426]

New tank, put it in and get your cycle that way.

 

[kraze3]

I agree with mg426. Only recommendation I would ake is hold off on a substrate for now. It will be easier to siphon any die off or crap off the bottom. Once it stay pretty clean then you can add your substrate, less hassle.

 

[mg426]

That would work.

 

[labatt]

cool, 2 more questions then.
1. what brand of ls would you recommend...also if I cycle w/the lr and no substrate would it be advisable to use a mix of the Home Depot sand and ls?
2. When do i add the salt?lol

 

[labatt]

Also, has anyone dealt with Saltwaterfish.com or Marinecenter.com, as these 2 places seem to have the best prices on "cured"lr (if you believe their claims). They both sell the fiji variety, Saltwaterfish.com is about $3.80lb, and the other is $3.38, shipping included on both. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. What do you think?
One more thing, would i be acceptable to break some of it w/a hammer if the peices are too large?
Thanks again

 

[labatt]

...still more questions lol. What do you think of using some of this
http://www.hirocks.com/ . If you think it would be ok can you suggest a proper ratio?

 

[poppin_fresh]

My .02

You dont need to use LS if you dont want. I have always just used the dry stuff from my LFS, but becareful of some of the Home Depot stuff.

You can add the sand after you stack the rocks if you wish. Like someone else said it will be easier to suck up the crud that comes out of it if you are bare bottom for now. Plus, it is better to have the rocks on the bottom instead of the sand, which can shift.

You MUST have the tank filled with salt water before you add the LR! Fresh water will kill all remaining bacteria that is within the rock. You will, even with overnight shipping see a fair amount of dieback, which will cause a cycle. This can take up to 4 weeks to finish and dont try to rush it.

Yes you can break it, drill it, whatever fits your needs. Just dont keep it out of the water for more than a couple minutes at a time.

 

[ReeferRyan]

I agree with poppin fresh.

If you know someone with a tank near you, you don't need to buy LS. Buy whatever sand you want to use, and put it in a bucket with saltwater. Get a cup or so of sand from someones established tank and put it in there and it will seed that sand. Give it a few days to a couple of weeks and then your will have "live sand". You can then put it in your tank and the bacteria in the sand will help it settle A LOT faster and you won't have a sandstorm for too long.

As for saltwaterfish.com, I have never bought LR from them, but they are a very good company. Good prices, good livestock, and free shipping. Just be sure to count your stuff when it gets there lol. (ordered 5 shrimp and got 3)

 

[fish_is_my_name]

concur with reeferRyan

 

[meco65]

If you buy LR online It would be best to check into next day air . Most will ship to the closest air port and you can pick up there if done right in as little as 10m to 12 hours. And should still be cheeper than LFS.

 

[Silverado]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7334962#post7334962 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by labatt
...still more questions lol. What do you think of using some of this
http://www.hirocks.com/ . If you think it would be ok can you suggest a proper ratio?

Has anyone bought rock from this site. I was also thinking of buying some of this.

 

[Jocko]

labatt, I don't know where you are located, but is there a reef keeping club nearby? By far the best source of live rock is fellow hobbyists. You can get GREAT deals on very mature rock. I'd at least investigate this before you go ahead with the online order.

Another way to save money is to get dry rock for your base rock and order less live rock. Within 6 months the dry rock will be covered in coraline anyhow.

 

[labatt]

thanks for the advice, I haven't looked real hard for a club in my area. That seems like a great idea. I think for now i will go with the dry/lr combo for now I have my new plan for setting up in another thread. If you could read it and give me you opinion I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Here is the link http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7339571#post7339571
Thanks again