Selecting Live Rock.

[roberts722]

What do I need to look for when selecting LR?? I am new to this an am trying to gather all the data I can. Can you tell just by looking at it? Do you need to run your fingers over it?? Kick the tires??? What?

Thanks/Jim

 

[reefboy2002]

make sure its been in water if not it wont be live

give it a realy good sniff if it smells like eggs then dont buy it
if it smells nice and fresh just like the smell u get when u walk on the beach then get it
dont get it if it has majano anemones on they r ba$tards to get rid off


cheers ritchie

 

[roberts722]

thanks. what are majano's and what do they look like??

 

[ste2k3]

I think he means aptasia. there the only ones I can think of. you are also best looking for a very porus pieces. I always say you are best selecting LR by hand and not mail order because you have to trust the guy at the fish shop to pick nice pieces and if they have got some that they can't sell you could end up with a load of c**p. if you get porus pieces, then you will pay less and there will be more surface area for filtration.

 

[ostrow]

majanos and aiptasia. You'll probably end up with one or both anyway but try to avoid. Do a google search for images.

Get it as colorful as you can. Look on reefcentral for people selling theirs who are leaving the hobby. There are always a few. Indeed, post on the CMAS thread in reefcentral, join, and go to the frag swap next Saturday having asked people to bring rock.

Get base rock and buy a few really nice pieces at harbor aquatics in NW Ind or from Menard at reefdweller.com (or is it .org?)

 

[roberts722]

Thanks much. I live in the Chicago area and it seems Harbour Aquatics is the best place to go.

Is there a rule of how much to add at a time?? All at once?? Also should the tank be cycled before I add the rock?? It sounds like It will help the cycle.

Jim

 

[ostrow]

Again, I'd buy mostly base rock and just get a couple pieces of live if you want to save money.

If money isn't a concern then go for Harbor and get the best pieces you can. Get large shapely and pourous pieces. Then get some flat ones for bridges, mounting corals, etc.

Add it all at once and create the design you want (you'll be constantly rebuilding ... be prepared!)

 

[ostrow]

Act fast!
http/reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=280084