Deal or No Deal? I am confused.

I have patiently been waiting to get my dry rock. Then I found these on craigslist for $120. It's about 500lbs. If there were all rock, then I knew for sure that I scored. This is where the confusion is. The seller told me that these are corals, basically dead corals (from fiji). When I research on Fiji live rock, they look like coral skeleton and covered by live things. I am confused, are these dry rock? or dead corals / skeleton? are they the same?

I did more research on Live rock and dead corals. Some people say that live rock are basically dead coral, and some argue they're not. Some people say that rock have more density and porous which is better than dead coral/skeleton. I thought they are different as rock don't look like coral skeleton. Can someone explain this?

Lastly, did I actually got a deal? or No deal? Any comments and opinions are greatly appreciated.

These are the pictures:

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Rubbles

 

whether its dry rock or dead coral, buy it. If you can get all that for 120 bucks thats a huge score.

 

check this link, $129 for 50 pounds of what is probably the same stuff that guy is selling.


BRS Bulk Fiji Dry Live Rock - 50LB Box - Bulk Reef Supply

 

From what I know, most live rock you get is exactly that, ancient dead coral.

 

They're already in my house ;D. I just wasn't sure if they will work ok. I thought rock are rock, dead corals are dead corals. I thought I was only looking for rock.

Yeah, that makes sense

 

Agreed, it's all dead coral skeleton, and while the coral's "head" may be more dense than the base, the branches provide far more surface area for nitrifying bacteria than a solid rock of similar size.

BTW, it appears you may have a mix.

 

that is a fantastic deal..........actually that rock sells at my LFS for 8.99/lb. I love fiji rock, great surface area etc.

 

Thanks Mr. Bill. Actually it has some rock, but not much compared to dead corals. I thought the "head" is the base of the corals?

So basically, these dead corals can be used as rock, right? this is where the confusion is, if the rock are basically dead corals, then I am good. I thought rock should be more solid compared to branchy dead corals. But if they both serve the same purpose, then I am good. It's just some thread that I saw, saying rock are better.

 

In short, any coral head can be used as live rock. I suppose if you had a non-branching type- like a closed brain coral- rock might be better, but the head would still be better than nothing.

 

Wow....8.99? The cheapest I found is $2.00/lbs live rock. But I have beenl looking for the dry rock.

YAYYYYYY;D So, I am all set then. ;D I needed around 200lbs.