Where to get live rock - not just bare cured rock?

tgurske

New member
I gave away all my rock a few years ago when taking a break from the hobby and now I need new rock for a new tank. All the stores sell live rock but it's really just bare cured rock. It may have bacteria on it, but nothing else. I want to reestablish the algea, macroalgea, bugs, worms, little shrimps, pollups, mushrooms and other little secrets that appear from time to time in established rock. I can buy corals and other cuttings but I still won't get the rest of it. What's the best way to get rock with living stuff on it? Or do people try not to have all that stuff in the tank now? The only thing I didn't like was the Aiptasia.
 
I’ve received great Caribbean Live Rock from KP Aquatics.

Also have heard phenomenal things about Tampa Bay Saltwater’s Gulf rock.

For other Gulf rock there’s Gulf Live Rock and Salty Bottom Reef Company…heard good things about them too.

There’s also limited amounts of Australian rock being imported but, it’s pretty pricy…around $25 per pound. But the pics I’ve seen of it look fantastic.
 
Wow - great reply! I like near Tampa so I am going to buy some stuff from them and pick it up. Thank you griss!
 
I’ve received great Caribbean Live Rock from KP Aquatics.

Also have heard phenomenal things about Tampa Bay Saltwater’s Gulf rock.

For other Gulf rock there’s Gulf Live Rock and Salty Bottom Reef Company…heard good things about them too.

There’s also limited amounts of Australian rock being imported but, it’s pretty pricy…around $25 per pound. But the pics I’ve seen of it look fantastic.
This^^^
 
Wow - great reply! I like near Tampa so I am going to buy some stuff from them and pick it up. Thank you griss!
If I’m not mistaken they usually have both “base” and “premium”. I’m not sure if the warehouse is open to walk ins but I know they do local pick up
 
Their premium rocks are exactly what I need and the pricing is good!
I've never ordered from them because back when I was looking for live rock, they only did airport pickup and I just didn't have time to drive to the airport to pick it up. But, I've never heard a bad review of their rock.
 
Ditto on the sources Griss listed. Definitetly get it shipped by the fastest method possible (I always get mine shipped air freight).
 
Just a follow up - I received a small order from tbsaltwater.com and it is amazing. I would have spent a fortune at the fish stores trying to get as many specimens as this $100 purchase gave me. I highly recommend and thank you again for the recommendations!
 
Just a follow up - I received a small order from tbsaltwater.com and it is amazing. I would have spent a fortune at the fish stores trying to get as many specimens as this $100 purchase gave me. I highly recommend and thank you again for the recommendations!
Awesome! Feel free to share some pictures
 
anyone here use salty bottom reef for live rock? If so, how was your experience? It seems like they are one of the only ones that currently has inventory.
 
I've never used them either but, I've heard good things about them. I prefer KP because it's Caribbean rock (from the Keys) rather than Gulf of Mexico rock like the others. That said, when I do my upgrade, I'm going to use a mix of KP and Gulf rock to get more biodiversity.

Fall and winter seem to be slim pickings for the collectors in the Gulf and Keys. The water is colder and they don't seem to get out to collect as often.
 
TBS green house was damaged by the hurricanes this summer but they should be shipping by the end of the month. Gulf Live Rock's boat was damaged but they should be able to start collecting soon.
 
Sorry not the greatest picture of LR from KP last week. First time shipping in water and after a couple days no ammonia showing up on test kit.
Just can't have a Live Rock Thread without pictures
lr.jpg
 
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