Really, how unsafe is shallow cultured live rock/sand

[Scuba_Steve]

How unsafe is it really to go out in the ocean and get some base rock and sand a few feet away from shore? I know it is said to be poluted, but how bad can it really be if i go away from major cities. Im in georgia.

 

[Konadog]

First off, I would check out local laws before taking anything from the ocean.

Second, LR is the foundation on which your reef is built upon, structurally and biologically. Do you really want to chance years of wondering what is causing all your problems in the tank, only to find out that a rock you "took" to put in the tank was loaded with something bad?

 

[vest0830]

If I "take it" or if the LFS takes it...its all taken from the ocean.

I got my base rock from the ocean, having no problems with it. I also live near crystal clear water where I can walk out 10ft and still see my feet as if I were in a bathtub.

 

[BC Sparky]

I'm going to tag along here. I was thinking about getting my sand from teh ocean. I have access to a large number of remote, clean beaches, but would like to know what kind of risk I would be taking.

 

[BC Sparky]

I'm going to tag along here. I was thinking about getting my sand from the ocean. I have access to a large number of remote, clean beaches, but would like to know what kind of risk I would be taking.

 

[vest0830]

My sand, rock and water all come from/came from the same place.
I accaully walked into the water and got my sand/rock a few feet (knee deep) out at low tide. I know quite a few people who have done this as well.

 

[BC Sparky]

Would you treat the sand/ rock in anyway before putting it in the tank. I really don't think I'd want any hitchhikers as the water temp would be to high for the stuff I would find up on the west coast of Canada.

 

[scrmbld33]

my opinion is how do we know if the rock we got from wholesalers didnt come from 10 feet offshore or on the beach? ive surfed and free dived in florida and bahamas and some stuff in 5 feet of water looks the same as off shore just with less critters on it, id say if your in a reef area and its legal why not grab some? the sand on the other had id get from out at sea as aposed to the beach, its too polluted, go to the beach during or after a storm and see natures protien skimmer wash all the crud on the beach i wouldnt put that in my tank

 

[SeanySean]

QT and C

 

[Russian123]

Live Rock and Live sand are not really that expensive I think it would be worth just to get the stuff from your LFS, besides Live Rock has so many cool things on it already like mine, Mine has shrimp and pods and little red zoos growing on it already.