Online Source for Live Rock

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rockerdoctor

New Member
I would appreciate the community's input on this:
In setting up my reef, I plan on purchasing 50% dry base rock (likely from Marcos Rock) and 50% uncured live rock. I will cure it myself in large Rubbermaid containers with heaters, powerheads, etc.
Can anyone offer a recommendation for purchasing the live rock? I'm hoping to do better than my LFS (both in quality and price)... I'd like to get some nice purple and pink coralline algae, and I'd really LOVE to get some hitchhikers -- whether they be featherdusters or polyps or any macro life at all (except mantis shrimp, aiptasia, etc... you know what I mean).
Can anyone comment on their experience with online sources?
Thanks in advance.
Tom
 
Jeremy0322

Jeremy0322

Active Member
I have had 3 tanks in my life and have never actually bought rock online. I would check craigslist, there are always people breaking down tanks either to downsize or leave the hobby, you can usually pick up some pretty good rock for around 2-3 dollars per pound. Its how I have always gotten my rock
 
Anselth

Anselth

Well-Known Member
I've purchased from my LFS and from a hobbyist who broke down his tank. However, I've read good things about Tampa Bay Saltwater, especially if you're looking for lots of hitchhikers. You can check out Goldenmean's Tank for an example of their rock and the critters that come along with it.

Also, While I've not bought live rock from Liveaquaria or Pacific East Aquaculture, I've had nothing but good experiences with both where other livestock is concerned.
 
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rockerdoctor

New Member
Charise, thank you. Jeremy, thank you. Really appreciate your opinions.
Jeremy, I've thought of craigslist, too. Did you quarantine the rock before adding? (I don't want to add anyone else's problems to my tank, particularly if they dosed w/ something or had some weird outbreak). If you did, what was your regimen?
Thanks again.
Tom
 
Jeremy0322

Jeremy0322

Active Member
I did, and I am always sure to ask if copper or anything like that was used in the DT. Most people that know about reef tanks are very honest with you about that. As for the process, I put the rock in buckets of saltwater with a heater and a powerhead for a few weeks, somewhere like 2 to 3 just to make sure I wasnt taking ich into the tank or anything like that. Its not the entire life cycle of the parasite, but you have to cycle the new tank once you add the rock anyways so thats where the rest of the weeks happened. I never had an issue with it, and it saved me big once when I pulled a worm off the bottom of one of the buckets that was about a foot long.
 
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rockerdoctor

New Member
Anselth said:
I've purchased from my LFS and from a hobbyist who broke down his tank. However, I've read good things about Tampa Bay Saltwater, especially if you're looking for lots of hitchhikers. You can check out Goldenmean's Tank for an example of their rock and the critters that come along with it.

Also, While I've not bought live rock from Liveaquaria or Pacific East Aquaculture, I've had nothing but good experiences with both where other livestock is concerned.
Click to expand...

Adam-
Thanks for getting back to me. I might buy from a # of sources to increase biodiversity, and Tampa Bay Saltwater was definitely on my list.
Like you, I'm in Jersey. Unfortunately, the most comprehensive fish store near me (Tropiquarium in Ocean Township) has very bland, very pale, very dead-looking rock for 13.99 per pound.
Have a nice weekend.
-Tom
 
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rockerdoctor

New Member
Thanks, Glenn.
I will investigate those sources, too.
BTW, haven't fully settled on the RSM250 yet. I'm also pricing out a build on a Marineland Deep Dimension 150gal cube. As a novice getting back into the hobby, I'm not sure if it will just be too overwhelming considering the lights, the plumbing, etc.
Anyway, really appreciate your suggestions for the live rock.
Tom
 
Msigler

Msigler

Member
Never thought to use craigslist for my aquaria needs. Did get a nice BMW for 900 bucks there once though. Turnover sale was pheonomanal. I have always purchased my LR from the docs and never been disappointed. Actually I'm lying. I used to get it from that website the docs bought out but that's here nor there. The docs get stuff to you fast and it's good quality. Anytime I have ever had a problem they quickly made me happy. Their Fiji has a good amount of corraline on it also. Doesn't take long for thick crusted purple rocks.
 
nanoreefing4fun

nanoreefing4fun

Well-Known Member
RS STAFF
Tom I am starting up a new tank now too, I am going with 80% dry rock (Marco Rock - ordered Wed. received today) and I plan to use 20% LR - I like the looks of the West African Live Rock
 
dmatt88

dmatt88

Has been struck by the ban stick
Be cautious about your live rock. If you have a friend with an established tank to swap with it will really give you a jump start. I bought some "dead/live rock" off craigslist and even after a few weeks of cycling (which is a real pain in the tail) the tube coral still bled a oily substance into the tank.
 
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rockerdoctor

New Member
dmatt,
appreciate the input.
I'm actually planning on curing my own from different sources, including culturing/seeding some "dead" live rock.
Just purchased Merlin RO system and 100 gallon Rubbermaid watering troughs... still considering whether or not to light them, and after how long, and at what intensity. for sure I'll keep things in the dark for the first few weeks as things die off and nutrient levels soar.
Trying to get all my ducks in a row and do things right this time.
Thanks again.
Tom
 
nanoreefing4fun

nanoreefing4fun

Well-Known Member
RS STAFF
Tom - here my Marco Rock - just put in today... if interested

IMG_1350a.jpg
 
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