Rock Crude/Rubble/Live Sand ?'s

[MiddletonMark]

Hi -

I'm putting together an order for both my tanks ... my new one I am looking to seed the new refugium I just installed. Has mostly `dead sand' + was seeded from my current tanks.

Wondering about your:

Rock Crude
and
Live sand

Any major differences in what is in them? Just the color/consistency? Either one recommended?

Anyone's experience of PA's great advice - all appreciated.

---

Also will be getting some rock rubble, as they'll work great for my propagation efforts [plus maybe free microlife] ... but my question is - do I have to worry about scary hitchhikers on this much? [mantis, nasty crabs ...]

Or would you say it's relatively devoid of such nasties [would doubt you could say 100% free of them, but 99% would be nice and relaxing ... or 50% would be acceptable, just changes my practices when I get it].

Thanks for the good work guys. You're my favorite online-tailer; now you just got to get my Derasa clam in and I'll finally use my gift cert. I won in TheReefTank photo contest
-> Clam + rock crude or sand + rubble + ?.

Cheers!

mark

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hey Mark,

Oh man.....I wish you would have mentioned the Deresa, we had some last week that sold through, and I just ordered clams today and didn't put any on there. I'll try to get pick a couple up anyways. The crud is going to be loaded with life. It is nasty stuff, nothing you want to be the "show" substrate in your tank, but you do get a lot of life with it. The live sand we sell is mainly bacterial, but you do get some pods/worms. The rubble should be pretty void of unwanted creatures, but still the amount of microfauna just like regular liverock. Let us know if you have anymore questions!

Jeremy

 

[MiddletonMark]

Sounds good ... I should really call you and have you email pics/health status of any Derasa you get in.

It's my first clam, in a 58g oceanic under 175w MH and 110w Actinic ... about 7 months old and stable and healthy [happy monti's, acro's, pocillaporas] ... so I'm thinking it should be ready for a clam.

I've heard Derasa and Squamosas are the best `first clams' ... and I have to say I find Derasas much prettier. I'd be tempted by a Maxima, you have beautiful ones ... but thinking it's best to go Derasa. Then again, only really have room for one on this tank ... so talk me out of it if you think it would be a good idea. But Maximas have me a little worried ... and I like the 100% batting rate I'm at [0 fish loss, 0 coral loss].

 

[MiddletonMark]

And thanks for the response Jeremy!

Think I'm going with Crude and Rubble then ... and can get more

 

[Jeremy B.]

You would probably be fine with a Maxima. Although I would recommend one that is probably 2.5"+, as they can help support themselves a little better via photosynthesis at that size. If you do not feel comfortable with that, try the Deresa. Just remember that they do get big though!

 

[MiddletonMark]

Thanks for your input Jeremy ... I love the customer service you guys give

 

[DJPB]

Hey Mark,
The rubble should be pretty void of unwanted creatures, but still the amount of microfauna just like regular liverock. Jeremy

Hi Jeremy, what is microfauna? Thanks.
Paul

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Paul,

Any small variety of worms, pods, etc......that live in the rock and in the sandbeds in our tank.