Live Rock: The Foundation of a Healthy Marine Aquarium

[Drew31589]

What is an average price on live rock per pound?

[Cichlid-Man]

It varies place to place....i'd think in Florida it would be a bit cheaper. TRe might can guide you there.

Here its $7-9 per pound.

[Airborneguy]

If you are purchasing a bunch at once, online might be the way to go.

[klueless]

i have about 20 lbs in a bucket with a small filter moving the water around and my house stinks !!!
i was wondering what the answer to the required temperature to cure is ?
is room temp ok ?
can i out it in the cold basement ? or better yet the garage ?
should i have a lid on it ?

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by 1979camaro

Temperature is also important; live rock should be kept in water between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. While many of the inhabitants of live rock will survive at higher and lower specific gravity, pH, and temperatures it is in the best interest of all living organisms on the rock that those ranges be maintained.

I think you'll need a heater.

[AnimalBabe]

Do you need to do more water changes with live rock than you would with using a filter and no live rock? I can suffice on one 20% water change per month and I don't have any live rock. No problems with high levels of nitrite/nitrate. How often do you all do water changes?

If I got live rock I'd prob start with about 30 lbs or so, and 20 lbs of base rock. I'd also dump the canister filter (though I don't need the carbon either??), add a powerhead or two, and possibly a protein skimmer. I don't know if my budget will allow the protein skimmer right away.

[OCCFan023]

Originally Posted by AnimalBabe

Do you need to do more water changes with live rock than you would with using a filter and no live rock? I can suffice on one 20% water change per month and I don't have any live rock. No problems with high levels of nitrite/nitrate. How often do you all do water changes?

If I got live rock I'd prob start with about 30 lbs or so, and 20 lbs of base rock. I'd also dump the canister filter (though I don't need the carbon either??), add a powerhead or two, and possibly a protein skimmer. I don't know if my budget will allow the protein skimmer right away.

Its more of a matter of the parameters staying in check (remember 0 is better than a little) that will necessitate your water change schedule. Personally I liked to go every week on my 20l and every 2 weeks on my 90. This kept my parameters in tune with my liking, and also allowed me to get my bare bottom tank sparkling.

As for the equipment, I would suggest keeping the canister filter and run it empty for added flow, keep the powerhead, and a protein skimmer will make your life easier.

[AnimalBabe]

Originally Posted by JustinP

I used tufa as base rock. It is very porous which makes for immense surface area and inexpensive. It is now covered in purple coralline and when I check at night, covered in pods.

Can I ask, how long did it take for your live rock to spread over to the tufa? I was thinking of buying some tufa as well, since they have nice large holes for the fish to swim through.

[LDSP]

So let me ask this. If running a brackish water setup which is over time transforming into a marine envoroment for the fish in it should or could one use live rock as part of the tank's aquascape? Also can Holey rock be incorporated into a marine tank? Have this really killer 200lb centerpiece rock with lots of holes and caves in it that I hate not being able to use

Leo

[SdJaCK&SaLLy]

Wonderful article!