40 lb TBS Rock pics

[keswick]

Here are some pics of my single, 40 pound TBS Rock...30 days old now.

I had maybe 15% die-off...i guess mostly sponges. I have lots of crabs, a mantis shrimp, at least 10 clams (they are the round objects all around this rock...very powerful...they move the boulder around a bit)...etc.

Thought I would post a few pics.

I also threw in a pic of my Durasa Clam (it is 4 inches wide for a reference to the large 40 lb rock).

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/8872140_lb_TBS_Rock_02.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/88721TBS_Rock_Sponge_jpg.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/88721TBS_Rock_Christmas_Tree_Worm_jpg.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/88721Durasa_Clam_4_inches.JPG

[Jocko]

Christmas tree worms! I'm jealous!

[keswick]

Yup! I got 3 of them. The one in the pic above, a baby one of the same and a deep blue one.

They're awesome!

[Phenix 05]

did you remove the mantis shrimp?
and is this the new stuff that they are getting from the keys?

[Jocko]

I'm no expert, but that don't look like no Keys rock to me! This piece of rock reminds me of why I am choosing to wait for Gulf Rock. Well except for that mantis shrimp. :-)

[keswick]

It's Gulf Rock...got it a month ago.

I've seen the mantis a few times and don't think he's harming anything. Seems pretty symbiotic to me. I'll leave him for now...

TBS has a couple acres in the Keys (not as old/seasoned at Gulf) and a couple acres off the shore of Tampa Bay (i think 25 years old).

[Family Reefer]

Man you rock looks really nice....I am going to go down to there shop this sat. to pick some up...Hope I can find some like yours

[keswick]

Thanx Headhunter!

The rock is about 2 months old now and i don't think there is any further die-off and still looks good. I've even seen some damaged repair-work done to some sponges and growth in some small featherdusters.

I think I'm gonna get rid of the Mantis. It's eating my firefish...one at a time.

[Chihuahua6]

What's the orange and pink stuff in the second picture? Is this considered coral rock? It's beautiful. It makes me want to get a small tank set up in my office since the big one won't be here for a few months.

[keswick]

Both the Pink and Orange are sponges! The orange is growing fast. The Pink seems to be the same as when I bought it.

Not certain what 'Coral Rock' is...however, this Rock came with some 'Soft Corals'...Macro Algae was eaten right away by my Fox Face fish. There were no SPS or LPS Corals with this Rock.

I think you need good water flow and a seasoned tank to keep Sponges healthy.....of course, having good water flow and a seasoned tank is always a panacea for all good Reefing I guess!

Good Luck & Enjoy!

[Rockker]

2 things you MUST remember with sponges. Never touch them with human hands and No AIR can touch them.

My red encrusting have lasted almost 10 months now, but my red tree sponge lasted until I was stupid enough to do a water change and let it hit air.

Rockker