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Unread 02/22/2010, 09:38 AM   #1
floydie83
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What to look for when buying live rock?

I'm looking at buying some live rock from a person who is taking down their tank.

I know she said it is rock from Florida, but what should I look for when if I go buy it?

Thanks,
Matt


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Unread 02/22/2010, 09:46 AM   #2
thegrun
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In general, look for pests (hair algae, aiptasia anemones, majano anemones etc.) that you do not want to have to battle with. It is also a good idea to test the water for phosphates. If the phosphate levels are high, the rock will absorb it and you will likely have issues with keep your phosphate levels down once you set up the tank. In general, I prefer light porous rock that will maximize the surface area for bacteria and a generally appealing appearance.


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Unread 02/22/2010, 10:01 AM   #3
Mish1
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It may sound simple but I recommend smelling the rock. If it smells rotten then I would avoid it.


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Unread 02/22/2010, 10:35 AM   #4
ReefiusMaxiumus
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Don't forget to think about how the rock shapes will fit into your planned rock structure. If you pick out unique pieces you should be able to make some cool structures.


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Unread 02/22/2010, 11:25 AM   #5
CJO
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Another thing to check for is copper. If they ever treated their fish in the tank, the rock will absorb some of the copper. This isn't too bad if you are just doing FOWLR, but will kill any corals you may want/have.

CJ


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Unread 02/22/2010, 12:16 PM   #6
brubinfeld
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i would buy only froma trusted source and then scurbbed down let it dry for a couple of weeks and then added to your system slowly as this is the only safe way how to add live rock without having problems


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Unread 02/22/2010, 12:47 PM   #7
floydie83
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Are you in the Detroit area? Do you know a good place to get good live rock reasonably? After reading these comments I am kind of shying away from buying from someone I don't know.


Quote:
Originally Posted by brubinfeld View Post
i would buy only froma trusted source and then scurbbed down let it dry for a couple of weeks and then added to your system slowly as this is the only safe way how to add live rock without having problems



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Unread 02/22/2010, 12:48 PM   #8
wooden_reefer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mish1 View Post
It may sound simple but I recommend smelling the rock. If it smells rotten then I would avoid it.
Why?


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Unread 02/22/2010, 12:51 PM   #9
wooden_reefer
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It depends on what you want the LR to do, what you want it for.

If you want it as a source of misc livestock, you look for LR with the best growth, and place it in a tank with medium that has been already cycled very well.

If you want LR as the medium of filtration, you can cycle from rock that has already lost most higher lives on it (cured).


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Unread 02/22/2010, 12:57 PM   #10
Mish1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wooden_reefer View Post
Why?
Just my experience but when buying LR from LFS I have found sometimes it smells rotten which means lots of die off is occuring. Not really something you want to put in your tank and if you do you will need to scrub it and most likely kill anything living that is remaining.

The best live rock I have had experience with has that fresh ocean smell which to me is a good indicator of quality.


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Unread 02/22/2010, 12:59 PM   #11
wooden_reefer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mish1 View Post
Just my experience but when buying LR from LFS I have found sometimes it smells rotten which means lots of die off is occuring. Not really something you want to put in your tank and if you do you will need to scrub it and most likely kill anything living that is remaining.

The best live rock I have had experience with has that fresh ocean smell which to me is a good indicator of quality.
It depends on what you want the LR for.

You don't necessarily regard dieoff as unwanted.


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Unread 06/26/2011, 02:53 PM   #12
wicz101
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I have a bunch of old live rock, that is sun bleached. Any recommendations on what my next step should be w/ it?


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