newb question

hey guys, with live rock, are there things that should be avoided when i get it? are there "name brands" what should i look for?

 

I think the first question is what kind are planning on getting? base, pre-cured, fully cured. For example, fully cured should smell fresh, like the ocean, while pre-cured may smell some what nasty, like decaying material

 

there are different types from different parts of the world. there are also types that take in environmental concerns. All these types will have benefits and draw backs. I've found Fiji, Jakarta, Vanuatu, and Tonga all to be very good.

when I set up this tank. I ordered it from my LFS and was called when it arrived at the airport. I then was able to pick it up within a 1/2 hour of that.
But many stores have tanks full of it and will let you hand pick the pieces you like.

J

 

wow, this is all sooo much to process, im just happy that im gonna start getting it soon

 

well, no matter what you get, dont let the LFS talk you into super expensive "premium" rock!! some store try and get $10 a lb for some stuff, i actually saw a store tryin to get $20 a lb for some "super special" live rock that was "very rare" apparently. good rock can be had for 4-6 bucks a lb, or less.

 

Also, some stores have it in stock and may say it's cured, but what they mean is 'cured as it sits'. The longer it is there, the more cured. I have had to explicitly ask whether it was really cured, or just sitting until sold. It's not a huge deal, but some stores charge more for cured when it's really not.
Also note that Atlantic or Caribbean rock is denser than pacific rock, so you get less volume wise for the atlantic.

 

The store where i purchase my l/r told me that the management does not like to disturb and break up the reef, so they place their own porous rock in the ocean and let it fully cure, then ship it over here for sale, it looks great, covered in coraline algae & loads of critters, only problem is the price £11:95KG,

 

Dont complain too much, I've got to pay £12.99/Kg up in Edinburgh. Only 3 diff marine stores here and they all have same price for LR. Methinks some price fixing is going on...

 

I would imagine the majority of the costs for LR is shipping. It is handled the same as a fish or coral. Airfare for rock is expensive

J

 

thanks guys all of this is helping greatly