Where should I buy Live Rock?

[aumfc]

I just ordered my first tank (24g Nano Cube) and now need to order the sand and live rock. Where should I get it from? Where did you get yours and how was it? I was thinking of ordering from Premium Aquatics. Anyone bought from them and had it shipped to AL before? If I do, should I get it sent 2nd day or overnight? For 25lbs 2nd day is almost $40 and overnight is $75. Thoughts?

Also, what about sand? Should I just buy that from Designs?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Siffy]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=2392

No personal experience, but I've heard good things. Sometimes their sales get better on this package too (seen it offered with free shipping).

 

[CorallineDream]

I'm not familiar with the Birmingham area dealers, but I would strongly encourage you to find a reputable dealer and purchase only fully cured rock right out of an existing display where you can see what you're getting. Some of the other group members should be able to point you in the right direction.

There are a lot of online dealers who offer "cured" rock but I wouldn't take my chances personally unless someone here can speak from their personal experience. You could take that money you'd be spending for the shipping and pay a little more for some premium cured rock with lots of good growth on it.

Just trying to offer my thought seeing as how it's your first tank.

Good luck!

 

[andyjd]

If I was in Birmingham I'd go to Aquarium Designs and pick the rock out of their tub.

Andy

 

[Broreefr]

I just set up a large tank I got a few good looking large pieces locally but MOSTLY used uncured live rock. I ordered from a couple places but BY FAR got the best rock from Saltycritter.com

I called and spoke with Dan and he sent exactly what I asked for and what he promised. Under $4.00 per lb to the door.

But for a smaller system you probably would be much happier going to Aqaurium designs. Very nice and helpful staff

 

[jsrph]

We just sat up a nanocube and I got the rock from John Newby in Athens - used a lace looking piece of onga branch for the backdrop and rublle and small stuff around that

 

[aumfc]

Does anyone know what type of rock they have at Aquarium Designs?

Thanks.

 

[alafish]

Kaelini (sp?), Tonga & Fiji was what they had the last time I was there in June.

 

[aumfc]

Thanks for the help but I'm still undecided. I guess for my 24g I will get 35lbs. AD sells it for $7 per, so it would cost me $245 there. Premium Aquatics has some for $5.50 but after shipping (assuming I overnight it) it comes to about $280.

Isn't there some nice cheaper rock somewhere? Am I really going to have to spend $250-$300 for just the rock?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[H@rry]

Try this link:

http://www.pacificeastaquaculture.com/ShowProductCategory.aspx?CategoryId=15

Bear in mind that you are getting UNCURED ROCK. Some people don't want to go through the curing process but it never bothered me that much. You get a lot of life that others have not picked over.

 

[TheGriffin]

I have ordered all of my rock from LiveAquaria.com. I get the 30lb boxes of their Lalo which is their best stuff. With shipping it comes to $158.69 ($5.29/lb). Every shipment I have gotten has been about 5 times better that what I usually see in the stores. Their Lalo usually has awesome shapes. I remember the first time I ordered that package they ended up sending me a 25lb monster with some other pieces. The big boy is the best piece I have ever seen with an incredible shape and awesome tunnels and caves.

In fact I just ordered my 3rd batch this week and received it yesterday. I can take some pictures if you want. However there was a problem with this one..... I paid extra to have it shipped overnight. Well, when I got it yesterday the Styrofoam box was all broken. The inside was a little dryer and warmer than normal and there were about 200 fruit flies in the box. (sort of gross) We all know what uncured live rock smells like so I guess with the box being compromised the fly’s got in and had a hey day. Anyway, I immediately call them yesterday to say I wasn’t happy about the condition. Especially since I had paid extra to minimize travel exposure time. The customer service rep apologized up and down about the shipping damage (not really there fault) and told me to throw that batch away and they would overnight me another 30lbs today.

My point is I have done a lot of business (rock, fish, inverts, dry goods) with them and always got great stuff. There have been a few times where s**t happens but there customer service is par none and I have always been happy with the outcome.


:strooper:

 

[aumfc]

Thanks.

So you are getting the uncured lalo? What is the difference between the cured and uncured? I don't mind waiting if that's the only thing, but I mean, in the end, is it really better to go with one over the other?

Also, is there going to be a major difference between getting something overnight as opposed to 2-day?

Thanks,
Jason