Live rock

What do you look for when buying live rock?! Anything specific to look at?

 

If you're not getting on line the examine it for Aiptasia, Majano, nuisance algae such as Byropsis, Caulerpa.

 

I like the primo type live rock with stuff growing on it already

 

Nuisance Anemones (as stated above) and algae. I would try and look for a nice healthy piece of rock, not just a bland piece but more of a rock that has a lot of 'activity' in terms of life on it but do in fact look very closely for the above.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/algae/ultimate-nuisance-algae-thread-58657.html#.UkZhK9J02rU - This will help a lot!

 

Look for very porus rock because it has more surface area. It should feel light for its size. I bought my live rock from Live Rock | Florida Saltwater Live Rock - LiveRocknReef.com. The rock I got is mostly old sps corals that fell to the bottom of the reef. The only problem is I believe the shape traps detritus. I think I would have picked differently had I known that. Although the shapes look really cool and its easy to find places to jam in frag plugs so its a trade off.

 

I'll never buy live rock again, then again I probably won't have to. I'd rather be patient and cycle it. I bought live rock, live sand and fresh sea water (rock and sand came from a 6 month old display). Sure I cycled quick, not nuisance algae but my rocks which I purchased solid reds and purples have gone back to looking white/yellow with speckles of coralline I don't have any easily visible pods either..

My sister started her tank one month prior to mine. She bought 25lbs of base rock, 30lbs live sand, and 5-6lbs of live rock (red and purple from coralline) to seed. She still has nothing in there but a snail only CUC and her whole tank is purple and red with pods everywhere. In all honesty her tank is way more 'alive' than mine. I need to post a picture, it looks like a 1 year old established tank.

We never shared the same appreciation of time

 

Classic girls rule and boys drool. j/k. Nice that you have someone to share the hobby with though.

In time Aiptasia will come her way too. Unfortunately frags bring it in just as easily, as well nuisance algae.