Tufa Rock

[rictheredneck]

i know its a daft question but can someone give me a decent explanation of what tufa rock is and what base rock is? are they the same thing or different? how long it takes to become live etc? the reason is that my tank has just finished cycling with 27 kgs of Lr so it seems to coping with the bio load so far with one chromis and one blue velvet damsel. but i obviously want more Lr (310l - 48in x 18in x 24in tall) but its bloody expensive as you all know. so am i right in thinking i could get ocean/base/tufa rock and let it become live over time as long as i dont introduce more livestock seeing as my current Lr is coping with the bio load at the moment. I'm also very wary about bristle worms hitchhiking in on Lr as the tank was set up to mostly house clams. all input will be greatly appreciated!

 

[shibby]

i believe base rock n all will be come live after a while - something like 6 months, maybe sooner maybe more i cant exactly remeber but its not overnight live rock is obv better to get, but i agree its damn expensive!

and i dont think brsitle worms are bad for the tank, just have a bad rep since there slightly well ugly looking lol. thats all i can offer, my little bit of input

 

[rictheredneck]

i believe base rock n all will be come live after a while - something like 6 months, maybe sooner maybe more i cant exactly remeber but its not overnight live rock is obv better to get, but i agree its damn expensive!

and i dont think brsitle worms are bad for the tank, just have a bad rep since there slightly well ugly looking lol. thats all i can offer, my little bit of input

i heared they munch on clams from the inside...

 

[poo-tang]

consider diy live rock. i think it will be more porous than base rock and prolly cheaper or the same price.

 

[kkyyllee]

diy will have to cure for a while

 

[rictheredneck]

hmmm, i thought about that and its sounds like a pita and will obviously take an even longer duration before putting it in my tank but i may consider it if I'm after a specific size piece but not too keen on half my rock work being crushed shell and cement.
its not that i wouldn't buy lr, but if the rock that i have now if fine with my stocking list and subsequent bio load i really don't see the need to where i could buy tufa/base/ocean and let that in time become live and not have to worry about worms munching on my clams. but if push comes to shove lr will be purchased. all the more info and input will be greatly appreciated on this matter!