What's the best LR?

[~SIRENA~]

I'm shopping around and can't decide. I have a tall tank and I want rock that will help with making holes and maybe caves. Can you help me out. I've been looking at Tonga Fusion, Uaniva, Eva, and Marshall(pricey). Also, should I buy cured or uncured. I'm just setting up my 104g almost cube tank.
Thanks for your help. If you have any pics of your rock that would be awesome.
Adriana

 

[dc_909]

I would just get what looks good. Usually that means great shape, porous and light. I prefer a few large pieces rather than a bunch of small pieces. I also, "kill" my LR by soaking in FW and then letting dry out. This kills all pests and the rock will eventually become live again.

 

[cd77]

I'd go for the Marshall or Fiji. If you can, get the cured rock. Look for porous rock with coralline.

I've seen some beautiful pics of rock that have came from Tamp Bay Saltwater

Here is a quick link I found on curing rock in a new tank if need be (this is an about.com resource, there are much better resources out there if you look) http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/liverockberlinsetups/ht/ht_curelrinaq.htm

I bought Fiji from my LFS and I'm happy with it. The advantage of buying from a local store is that you can select and inspect the pieces individually. This is a real plus if you plan to build pillars or bridges

 

[dendro982]

We have Fiji and Pagona LR as LR in LFS here, but CaribSea Reef Bones and Reef Rock are available online.

Visuals:
Left bottom - Reef Bones, top - Fiji, right - Fiji or Pagona, not sure:


Fiji, a lot of caverns (beware of detritus), brittle, lightweight:


Reef Bones, ~$2/Lb, VERY heavy, dense, almost untoolable - you can see toolmarks, it took 2 hrs to divide one stone:

1 yr later:


Reef Rock, $2/Lb, 50 Lb, curing in 28g container: reasonable sized pieces, not too heavy, porous - much better.