Collecting live rock from the Mediterranean 5/2/05
Hello, I have a thirty five gallon corner aquarium that I would like to set up as a marine tank. I would like to put in live rock and a few invertebrates along with just a couple of fish (a Mediterranean tidal pool biotope). My aquarium is in my house in the north of Italy but I spend July and August in the south by the sea. I would like to collect live rock from the sea (shallow, rocky tidal pool areas) and transport it to my aquarium (about an 11 hour drive). 
<As long as it is legal to collect rock from where you will be, this sounds like a wonderful idea! When you seek out animals, beware that some tidepool inhabitants require the tides and daily exposure to air to survive/thrive and should be avoided for that reason.>
I thought to prepare the aquarium a couple of months before hand by adding synthetic salt water, an aragonite and coralline substrate and a pound or two of live rock (Fiji) from the local fish store. The idea is to allow a bacterial colony to grow in the substrate and more or less stabilize the tank before my return.
<This also sounds fine, but do keep in mind that the Med is temperate! The bacteria from the Fiji rock should adapt nicely, but some of the other critters may not.>
I thought that if I collect the rock and keep it in a plastic garbage can with seawater then bring it home and put it directly in my tank it would minimize die off. Is this a reasonable plan? I don't have any practical experience with marine (only fresh water) but I am reading as much as I can. If rock is taken from the sea and kept constantly under water (possibly aerated?) does it still need to be cured? Thanks for your advice, Eileen 
<With your short travel time, you should avoid (or greatly shorten) a cycle by keeping the rock in water. There is a wonderful Italian magazine called "Aquaplanta/Reef Art", which aside from being a beautiful an informative magazine, should also help you connect with other hobbyists. Ciao! AdamC.>

- Live Rock Preference? -
Hello all!
I'm looking to add more live rock to my 20gal FOWLR tank. I currently have 11 pounds of rock, and I would like to add more, maybe another 15 pound or so. 
<Egads! Can you actually fit that much rock in there? I'd be cautious as you will begin to trade water volume at some point which is actually more important than the rock.> 
I've narrowed down my rock choice to aquacultured Florida deco rock from www.floridaliverock.com or the ultra-premium Fiji rock from www.saltwaterfish.com, as my local stores do not carry very high-quality live rock. My question is, do you have any preference as to what kind of rock you would rather put in your tanks? 
<Yes, I do... I'd go for the Fiji rock. The Florida live rock is incredibly dense and so you end up with smaller pieces at a price not all that different from rock that's been half way around the world.> 
While the Fiji rock seems to have more coralline algae, the Florida rock has much more vibrant colors and more ocean life on it. 
<Think in time the Fiji rock will look the same in your tank.> 
However, my concern lies with the life on the Florida rock. Can I expect much of this to survive in my small tank, or would the sponges and other delicate life probably die off after a short time and foul my system? 
<Some would die, some would live.> 
I've got 6+ watts of power compact lighting, and I take excellent care of everything as far as maintenance is concerned. Still, though, I'm just not sure the extra life would be worth it. So, should I opt for more natural life (Florida rock) or less life but seemingly more coralline algae growth (Fiji)? 
<Think you will be surprised by what shows up on the Fiji rock after two or three months.> 
Sorry this e-mail is so long, but live rock isn't cheap, and I'd like to make an informed decision.
Thank you, Joe S.
<Cheers, J -- >

Trying to find some good Indo-Pacific or Indonesia live rock
Hello,
    I was wondering if anyone at wet web media has any ideas of where to get
some live rock from the Indo-Pacific region or Indonesia.  I am wanting to
set up an Indo-Pacific reef tank and be as close to nature as possible.  Any
suggestions.
Thanks,
Daniel
<No one ships LR from Indo. period as far as I'm aware, but I assure you that the principal source, Fiji has very similar appearance and mix of non-fish life in association with theirs. Bob Fenner>

Where to buy live rock
>Hey crew,
>>Hey Chris.  Marina here.
>I am going to purchase about 45 pounds of live rock within the next week. Do you know if live aquaria sells quality live rock? or can you recommended a reputable site that sells good live rock.
>>Personally, I don't.  But, you can also query the folks on the talk forums here http://www.wetwebfotos.com/talk (you'll have to register, but it's painless, I swear).
>Currently I have a 55 gallon tank with 45 pounds live rock, I only have one skimmer and would like to know if I can remove the skimmer from my existing setup and use it while I cure my live rock in  a Rubbermaid container. would my existing setup be fine with no skimmer till the rock cures. my only other alternative is to throw the transshipped rock in my tank. Thanks a bunch, Chris
>>Well, I'm going to assume that your main display has no inhabitants, so there's no reason to skim at this point.  Yes, you can throw the skimmer in the Rubbermaid.  You'll probably need to do several water changes as well.  Good luck!  Marina

Rockin'- Kanai Style!
Hi, I was wondering if you folks had any information on so-called "Kanai Live Rock". An online (Canadian) supplier is offering this liverock at a very reasonable introductory price of $4.39 /lb. I scoured the net for anything related to Kanai Live Rock, and nothing came up. I am nearly done collecting all the equipment needed to start cycling my reef tank, and this
will be the last step. Thanks once again for the courteous help, Chris
<Well, Chris, I have not had personal experience with this type of rock, but I have seen a friend's system with it, and it was nice stuff. Seems to be lightweight, with nice coralline coverage. I found it quite attractive. My personal take on most live rock is that, as long as it's cured well, light weight, and attractive- it will do the job! And the price you are being quoted seems good to me! Rock on! (I couldn't resist that one!) Regards, Scott F>

Trigger and Live Rock  3/30/03
hey again Phil<Hey Tyler!>
If I bought a Huma trigger what is the smallest size fish I
could keep with it?<This depends on the trigger.  I've seen some that are fine with smallish fish, others rip damsels apart in a few minutes.> Would he get along with a flame angel,
clowns, full grown Firefish.<There's a good possibly that this should work out fine.  The tank is between 125 gallons... so that gives "appx." say 20 gallons per fish.  This is if you get 1 Angel, 2 Clowns, 2 Firefish and one Trigger.>   What's a good web site to buy live rock for
cheap.<Hehe Cheep live rock??  Where? LOL!  Depends on what ya want.  I like Harbor Aquatics, but they do cost a bit more then other places.  But HA live rock has lots of life on it.  Read over our forums as we just had some posts about live rock.  www.wetwebfotos.com/talk  >   Thanks! Tyler<Hope this helps and good luck!! Phil>

Greek Live Rock 3/24/03
A few days ago I traveled to the open sea, which is located just one hour from my house and picked up 4 small pieces of live rock.
I transferred it in a small bucket with sea water and I slowly acclimated it to my quarantine tank conditions (1022 SPG, 26 C). The sea had a temperature of 18 C and a SPG of 1027. I dedicated about 7 hours in order for the acclimation to be as slow as possible, hoping to save the live rock and creatures on it.
<excellent>
After 3 days there is still the same live on the LR, which is 4 snails, one small sea urchin and a couple of other small creatures I can not identify. The only thing that makes me worry is that the second day I saw a lot of small creatures , about 0,5mm each, moving quickly on the side glasses of the tank. There are a lot of them, maybe 200 or more but are very small, white-coloured and when I observed them with a zoom, I realized that they have a small tail and a head.
<some sort of plankton/larvae... could be many things>
They are also on the live rock moving all the time. I do not know what these creatures are, but I have the feeling that they are not so welcome.
<there is a greater chance that the are harmless. If they are parasitic, they will likely die before the end of your 4 week QT period>
Could you help me identify them and indicate me a way to get rid of them in case they are harmful for my tank? Thanks
Thanassis, your Greek friend
<no worries, my friend... if they survive through the QT process, they are probably harmless and likely to be eaten by the fishes at any rate. You might remove some at night by collecting them with a flashlight if they are larvae. Best regards, Anthony>

Re: live rock..
Of all days to order live rock..... I went to ffexpress web page and it is
now part of smith and Foster's live aquaria. My question is where can I get
Walt Smith live rock now that Flying Fish Express is gone??? As always thank
you for your time.
Dave
<No worries... Walt's biz still ships out 200-250 thousand pounds a month... in their own labeled boxes. Do ask whatever source/s you're soliciting for it by name. Most everyone has access to this source. Bob Fenner>

Re: live rock special
Hello all. Hope all is well in WWM-Land.
<Peachy-keen Brad, Don here tonight>
I was wondering your opinion on a "deal" I found on some Marshall Isl. LR. This particular online dealer is selling these pieces at $2/lb. They say it's authentic Marshall that has "minimal coverage"  but still comes in "fantastic shapes and sizes" and "will cover in time". It's just the bottom of the barrel I'd suppose. They probably sold all the good stuff at regular price and now are just dumping the remains (not everyone can be a star). At least they're not trying to sell it as "premium". Anyway, I have a 125 gal w/ 90 lbs of mixed Fiji and Tonga that is doing very well. I'd really like about another 90lbs ($400-$600 regular Fiji/Tonga whatever) and this rock would be $180/shipping for the same amount. I personally don't mind if it's not 100% coralline covered as I'm more concerned with surface area. I guess I'm wondering if this rock will still serve it's purpose as biological filtration. Would it's benefits be immediate or would it be like adding "dead" rock? I guess that would depend on the coverage, huh? Would there be any harm in this? I just wanted to see what you guys thought about this. Should I be wary?
> your description, it sounds as if this is what is normally called ‘base rock’. Normally used under the good stuff. Unless it indeed does look ‘good’. It will become ‘live’ (supporting critters and bacteria) in time and will grow coralline, sponges, etc. if given the appropriate environment. You may want to QT this rock for a few weeks. Simple lighting, heater, powerhead, power filter, and an inexpensive plastic tub/container. Get some eggcrate and pvc to make posts/platform and suspend the rock off the bottom a couple inches. Put some bait (like a store bought shrimp) on the bottom to entice any hitchhikers to come out so they don’t end up in your tank. Hope this helps, Don>
Have a great day and play nice,
Brad

Mixing Live Rock - 2/13/03
A shop that has an ad on your site (live aquaria) has some Lalo rock, I think this is a type of Tonga rock. Is it good, bad would be ok alone or should it be mixed with Fiji?
Steve
<Mixing live rock has it benefits and disadvantages... mostly its a good thing unless you are setting up a biotope display for a specific niche/region. Enjoy the diversity. I cannot comment on its quality but suspect that any reasonable product once cured 2-4 weeks will be fine and interesting. Anthony>

Live rock questions - 2/14/03
Hey guys!  <Hi>
Thanks for writing so quickly last time. I really appreciate your help. <Thanks you for asking your question on this great forum. Paul trying to answer as quickly as the last time>
This time I’ll keep it short.
I’m finally done setting up all the hardware and I’m planning on adding all the live rock at the same time once I get the water mixed and ready.<Good>   My question is regarding the live rock itself, should I wait before I add it to the brand new tank or should I just add it with the live-sand as soon as the salt is dissolved. <Mmmmmm......are you talking about already cured or uncured live rock? In other words are you curing it in the display tank? Actually, you know what? I think you could at it all at the same time, regardless, in my opinion.>   Also I’ve seen the Fiji premium rock at local dealers and it looks nothing like the pictures on the net or the books. <Probably because it is in a state of curing. Sometimes there are less than optimal tank conditions going on as well.>  The one around here looks like it has been striped of all life on it. <Again, constantly being replenished as rock is sold new rock thrown in! The live rock are in a constant state of cycling and curing>
 My second question is regarding the Caribbean aquacultured aquarium live-rock is it as good as Fiji and will 100lbs will be enough for 90gal tank? <Sure on both. A little more or a little less rock would be fine. I don't think it will hurt either way. I, of course, really like the aquacultured option because it goes a long way toward a sustainable industry. There are various dealers out there with varying degrees of satisfaction. Check the forums and see what others think. Otherwise I like the amount you are planning to add and I like your choices. Money may be of consideration here. Sometimes Premium Fiji live rock can be very expensive vs. Caribbean Aquacultured or vice versa. I feel both are very suitable to do the job (regardless of your choice.) Here is a link for you to check out on live rock: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/liverock1.htm >
This rock looks great it has lots of live things on it and it seem to have this red coloring to it (might be algae). <Mmmm...probably more like sponges tunicates and other benthic and sessile organisms or even more likely, varying species coloration of coralline algae>
I just want to make sure that this rock will do sufficient biofiltration job. <you can count on it> I’m also using EuroReef skimmer 6-2 and I’m planning on converting my sump into a
refugium overtime. <Sounds very nice.>
Thank you again for your time and knowledge <Our pleasure. Let us know if you go with the aquacultured live rock and what you think of it.>
Pavel S <Pavel M - out>

New Tank and live rock
Hello,
I'm starting up a FOWLR 55 gallon saltwater tank and I'm planning on adding about 40-50 lbs. of live rock. I probably won't add fish for another 3-4 weeks ( since I'm tapped out), so my question is..... Do I need to buy cured live rock or can I just go the cheap route and buy un-cured rock and let it cure in my tank for a month? <Good thing for you and your future livestock that you are tapped out. A new tank will take 4-6 wks (more the better) for the nitrogen cycle to complete. You can buy uncured live rock and it will cure as the tank cycles. See here and beyond for info on setup http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/. Lot's to research and understand. Take this cycle time to do so. Highly recommended that you use a quarantine tank for new additions as well. Again, see this site for discussions. Go slow, read/understand and you are much more likely to be successful. Don>

Live rock? Selection
WWM Crew.
I have a 300g F\O with some inverts. As of now I have about 150# of live base rock and I want to add more rock to my system. My question is; would I be wasting my money buying the more expensive live rock, with all the goodies on it?
The base rock that I have been buying consists of odds and ends of Fiji and Marshall Isle etc., with pretty much of nothing on it: no algae, no critters, mainly just live rock leftovers. I pay about $2.50 a lb. Is there much to gained by buying the premium Fiji or Marshall Isle at about $6.00-$8.00 a lb.,
<Not corresponding with the price difference. The not-so nice rock you've been buying will likely become as nice as the higher priced product>
when using it for a fish only system? At this time all tank mates are thriving and I could not be happier with their adjustment to their larger quarters. At the present I am keeping, 1- Queen Angel, 1-Rock Beauty, 1-Flame angel, 1-Eibli Angel, 1-Heniochus(planning on adding 2 more), 1-Naso tang, 1-Powder blue tang, 3-small Blue Tangs, 1-French angel, 1-Yellow tang, 1-Snowflake eel, Several green Chromis, Several Bluefin Damsels, Several Blue Reef Chromis. I am wondering if the better rock would be more suitable to their needs long term?
Thank you for your help.
Rick  
<For me, if you have the extra money and really like the look, you might buy some super spiffy rock to place on top of what you have. For me (a bargain hunter, okay an original cheapskate), I'd just get more of the less-expensive. Bob Fenner>

Live Rock Size
I have a 125 gallon tank that has been running about 8 weeks.  I have 4 damsels in it now.  I am going to add live rock and I would like to know is there any benefits in the size of the rock that you use?  Are larger pieces better than small or vice versa.  I have two BioWheel filters (400 gph each), and a protein skimmer. This will be a fish only tank.    Will 75 lbs be enough to help my filtration.
<Mmm, well, smaller pieces do have more surface area per unit weight, volume... but in most all cases this is a minor matter. I would get whatever sizes you think look best, and build with them. Seventy five pounds will be good here.
Bob Fenner>

Florida Live Rock
Dear bob, Anthony or whoever is kind enough to answer my query,
<Anthony at bat>
Is live rock from Florida as good as live rock from Fiji?
<rock from any given location is likely to have its merits and demerits. Some advantages to Florida live rock: shorter time of transit from collection point so microfauna has greater chance of survival, different fauna altogether from common Pacific imports (interesting in their own right), better chance of getting plants and macroalgae if you like them, better chance of small coral to survive incidental importation. The biggest disadvantage to Florida and Atlantic live rock is that it is largely formed sedimentary (unlike much volcanic activity in the Pacific and heavy overgrown Acroporid branches)... this means that the Atlantic rock is not only a lot more dense (like concrete!) and that you'll pay more money to fill the same space as you would with Fiji rock... but that because of its density it is more limited in potential biological faculties, microfauna, etc>
I live in the Gulf coast of Florida and have purchased some Tampa Bay Saltwater live rock (35# for my 29 gal tank) and have had it in my tank "cycling" for 4 weeks. I finally got to 0 ammonia, but my nitrites and nitrates are high.
<Interesting... perhaps a something large inside the rock has died (urchin, starfish, bivalve, etc). It will be fine in time and with water changes and a good protein skimmer running>
The rock is beautiful and came with sponges, crabs, corals and anemones growing on it, as well as a mollusk that opens and closes at will (looks like part of the rock, but opens 1/4" and closes up at will - very interesting). The rock is much more dense than the Fiji rock that my LFS sells, but I like all the life on it and freight is not an issue because I just drive over and get it on Saturdays from TBS.
<agreed... I prefer a mix of rock if you are not setting up a biotope aquarium>
The LFS guy told me that my live rock is cultured from limestone, which will deteriorate over time in saltwater and cause my nitrates/nitrites/ammonia to stay high. Is this true or is he just trying to get me to purchase his LR?
<he's lying about everything except the limestone part (its ALL limestone!)... reward his dishonesty by not shopping there unless you think he is simply ignorant and he would be willing to learn differently>
I wrote TBS to ask the question about what type of rock they aquaculture and will let you know their response. Meanwhile, could you give me your experience/opinion as to whether Gulf coast rock is good for a reef setup?
<While I do like the sponge growth from it... I find it way too dense to be practical or natural looking for most reef set-ups. Particularly because all corals we get are Pacific. Aside from the growths on it, the TBS rock are shaped liked ugly bricks as far as I'm concerned <G> and do not stack well or attractively. But that is just my personal preference. An Atlantic reef display instead could be quite magnificent!>
I noticed in reading the FAQs that you mention Gulf rock as ok for a Gulf biotope. What exactly do you mean by that.
<best for a region specific display... Gulf plants, fishes, corallimorphs, gorgonians, etc. A very specific and natural display without Pacific or non-indigenous species>
Thanks in advance for your help. I am nearly ready to give up as I have invested $600 in the setup and still don't have a fish. VERY FRUSTRATED.
Diane Bedard
<please don't be frustrated at all... its a beautiful hobby. Don't let one or two knuckleheads ruin it for the rest of us nice guys or for your enjoyment in this wonderful pastime. You'll be fine, my friend. Just read books and content on your own and try to seek more advice from people who aren't trying to sell you something <wink>. Best regards, Anthony>

Live rock.
Hi guys,
I noticed I can save on live rock online. There is some real nice stuff at a LFS from a torn down 3 year old reef display but its $10 per #. Is there a good source you trust online?
<<Really depends on where you are located, IE: shipping. For many more reliable opinions than mine, try WWF forums and go to the live rock and sand pages. Many on-line experiences and references.
http://talk.wetwebfotos.com/index.jsp Craig>>

8/02 Daily Q/A Comment (LR sources, endorsement in Dallas, TX)
Hello! On the Daily Q/A page dated 8/20, there was an email from Ross
Thompson, requesting the best way a hobbyist can get live rock, since Walt
Smith will not sell direct. (I'm not sure who answered the question, the
letter isn't signed.)
<What? Actually, I just took a look and it was replied to by Anthony (please look again)>
Since Ross is in the DFW area, could you pass this along? I would like to
recommend my LFS, Fish Paradise, in Fort Worth. The owner, Mr. Lee, has lots
of rock with the purple coralline on it for sale, at $6.99 per pound. (Tonga
is 7.99 per lb.)
<Will post on WWM... but (and this is an unfortunate situation here) we don't (purposely) retain (nor distribute) people's emails (other than by direct/express consent/request... and hope he sees it... Others will benefit from your help though, doubtlessly.>
Also, Dallas North Aquarium has rock, but I found the
customer must choose very carefully, as some rock states "cured" but isn't.
However, a "good" rock will have lots of extras on it, whereas Mr. Lee's
usually doesn't.
I do not know if you can post/forward phone numbers, but I will add it, and
you can edit as you wish: Fish Paradise is 817.263.1148 and DNA is
972.492.6165.
Thanks, and have a great day!
-Cathy Hughes
-Fort Worth, TX
<Thank you much... may I refer you, others to our chatforum: http://wetwebfotos.com/talk/ which has a "more active" feature for such info. exchange/sharing (one is on live rock, another section on etailers, retailer/sources). Bob Fenner>

Best Place for Hobbyists to Buy Live Rock?
Guys,
<cheers>
I read in previous threads that you recommend Walt Smith International as the best place to buy live rock. I logged onto their website and filled out a form requesting a password in order to see their pricing. I received an email response back from them today saying they don't sell directly to hobbyists - only to dealers (didn't know they were a dealer-only site).
<no worries... many of the largest wholesalers stock his rock and it trickles down to your locals>
Question - I'm ready to buy some live rock... In your opinion, what's the best place for a hobbyist to buy live rock (hopefully a dealer who buys from Walt Smith)?
<you can ask Walt Smith to refer you to a dealer. But my advice is to negotiate a good price from a local store and see that the rock is cured before you buy it. It is really worth some extra money. If you have never cured live rock before then you are in for a scary smelly treat. If you want to try to save money by purchasing mail order rock... be prepared for water changes, heavy skimming and a bare-bottomed tub or vessel. There is no such thing as "cured" rock that gets air shipped. Air shipping kills organisms and requires the curing process. Read more in the Wet Web Media archives about curing live rock. Anthony>
Thanks,
Ross Thompson
DFW, Texas

Live Rock Sourcing
Bob What is a good place to buy live rock I have no FS near by. RGibson
<Please read through the Live Rock sections on WetWebMedia.com and ask the same question of actual end-users/consuming aquarists on our chatforum: http://wetwebfotos.com/talk/
Bob Fenner>

Mixing Live and Base Rock
sorry guys for being such a pain. Just emailed this
am about live rock being ok in the set up phase. Was
also wondering should I get a combination of base rock
and live rock? will the base rock eventually become
live rock or no? I'm planning a 75 gal with
eventually 75+ of live rock but affording in the
beginning less than that probably 45 from ffexpress.
thanks for all your help.
<Can surely be done. Please read through the live rock (and base) materials archived on WWM, starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/liverock1.htm and/or use the search tool on the homepage, indices. Bob Fenner, in PA soon...>
Colleen
Pittsburgh, PA

Mail-Order Liverock
Hi,
I love your website...so much great information it keeps me up late at
night.
What's your opinion of aquacultured live rock from places like Gulf View or Tampa Bay Saltwater ?
<My only problem with the stuff is it is very dense. If I were setting up an Atlantic species tank, I would use it. Otherwise, I would purchase rock of Pacific origin.>
What other LR mail-order places do you recommend for imported LR?
<Take a look at the WWM Forum under Local/Internet Fish Stores for recommendations.>
Thanks, Darrell
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Haitian live rock
Hello Guys- 
<greetings from the cultural center of the universe... Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where muscle tee-shirts and mullet haircuts are always in vogue>
I'm setting up my 75 gal. reef tank here in south Florida and the LFS has what looks to be beautiful cured live rock from Haiti. I've searched everywhere for info about this stuff and can't find any. IYO is this stuff comparable in filtration ability and bacterial colonization as the rock from the indo-pacific area? thanks a lot! Craig
< I have enjoyed this rock myself and do have an opinion for you. Haitian live rock is often heavily covered in strong coralline algae (blue/purple and dark). The shapes are also often unique and quite unlike any other rock. However, since it like most any Atlantic rock, it is formed by sedimentation (or dense encrusted scleractinians like palmate Acroporas)... as such, it is arguably not as biologically diverse or efficient as the porous Pacific isle rocks like Fiji. Kindly, Anthony>

Tufa vs. Live Rock
Dear Bob.
I don't know how it came to be that I found your site. I guess you hear it often enough but allow me to join the thankful chorus of aquarists.
<Am glad to be here>
Two weeks ago I was setting up a Dutch style planted FW decoration. Today I have a partly cycled tank of Instant Ocean blazing away in my family room. I have read a multitude of advise, some of it necessarily conflicting.
<You are wise here>
There is the school that encourages hobby marine farmers to take nothing from the real ocean that can be obtained from the descendants of long ago captured species. Your encouragement to utilize and pay for the labor of those who would otherwise have to do without slipped my transmission into neutral as it were. Aside from the problems of getting product into Canada (CITES et al.) and the terrible price once landed here ($10.00 +), would you reiterate your position that collecting rock from the wild causes virtually no environmental harm? 
<This is a verity... Much more "live rock" is purposely covered over daily than the trade has made use of in its history...>
Given the two aforementioned obstacles, could you find it in your heart to concede to propagation of "artificial" live rock on some locally obtainable substrate? 
<Yes... though such products actually entail much more environmental "costs" and are inferior almost to a one>
I am told that the only true commercially viable Tufa deposits are located right here in British Columbia. Would this calcium carbonate material be at home in a reef tank. I have heard argument both ways.
Sincerely, Fred.
<I am not a fan of Tufa as a substrate for marine systems... as you will find by reading on WetWebMedia.com under Live Rock FAQs, Marine Substrate FAQs... I would seek others opinions, input to formulate your own... I favor calcium carbonate recently extracted from the oceans. Bob Fenner>

Lace Rock in a Marine Aquarium
Bob / Anthony / Steve,
I really enjoy this site! 
<very glad to hear it. Anthony>
It has cleared up several issues already like..... "2" substrate should be under 1/2" or over 3" and you MUST have a quarantine tank" and my favorite "bristle worms will not come out of the tank at night and kill you in your sleep" ;-] 
<actually, that last one really isn't true... I've never seen bristleworms kill anything larger than a Chihuahua... and it didn't impress me... I don't even like Mexican fast-food>
However, I now know that I would like a bigger tank, large sump, refugium, etc....
Down to business:
FOWLR - 40 gal tank, Eclipse 3 filtration, 15lbs live rock, temp 76, PH 8.3, Ammonia 0 - 0.2 (hard to tell the difference), Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0-5 (again difficult to tell the difference), phosphates came down from 1.0 to 0.5 on its own had 1.0ppm phosphate in the tap water). I'm using an in tank Coralife protein skimmer 3(only one that fits without modifying the hood) that gets about 8oz. skimmate every two days (dark green tea color). 
<excellent>
I have done a 10% water change at the two week mark. 
<future reference...10%weekly or 15-20% biweekly would be better>
Currently, I'm using a Hagen powerhead 402 with a quick filter attachment loaded with Phosphate sponge to pull down the Phosphates to 0. There are two Allen Damsels,
<gorgeous fish>
1 Humbug damsel, 9 small hermit crabs blue leg and black/white,
<a herd or crabs...or is it a gaggle, maybe even a flock>
6 snails (turbo), and 1 emerald crab. All seem healthy. The live rock is loaded with white brittle stars, a couple of brown button polyps, spaghetti worms, coralline algae, and some Caulerpa. I just got the quarantine tank today and plan to seed it with water and 1/2" substrate from the display tank. I have been aging my water for at least a week and plan to use the Quickfilter to take out the phosphate before it gets into the tank (so I don't have that huge filter and powerhead in my tank too).
I went to my LFS to pickup some more LR. They were very picked over so I thought about getting some rock that was dead and big to hide the heater and filter intake. They had a perfect piece of lace rock. I added it to the tank 8 days ago. All appears to be well except I went to a different LFS and they had a huge sign that said lace rock $2/lb FRESHWATER ONLY! Upon questioning, they said that the lace rock contains metals which would poison a marine tank. Have I seriously screwed up? Even though my tank is FOWLR I may upgrade the lighting and add some inverts down the road. Is lace rock poisonous to everything, fish only, or inverts only? 
<very tough to say...although harmful mineral deposits are possible. The snails could be one of the first to show it if it was>
Of course after looking at the appearance of the lace rock, I wish I would have just added several pieces of base (coral) rock and built it up, however, hindsight is 20/20. Also, there are tiny 1/32" long white things crawling on the lace rock and the glass near it. Any thoughts as to what they may be? Are they harmful? helpful?
<likely helpful...send a picture if possible>
Since Christmas when I received the aquarium as a gift, I have learned a ton from Bob's book The Conscientious Marine Aquarist and this site. Unfortunately, I found the site and got the book after I had the aquarium up and running or I would have gone a different route from the start. However, the aquarium looks good where it is and now is a challenge to keep everything alive without the sump, refugium, U.V, ozone, etc.....I do plan to add a 55watt PC in about four months once I'm done tinkering with the aquascape so the coralline and future toadstool leather coral will do ok.
Thanks for the help and the great reading. Kinzie
<zuppa! Anthony>

Look what I dug up?!

Bob, <Anthony Calfo here in the interim>
A very quick question - is it safe to put a small(6") piece of flagstone in my established system? Will it hurt anything? I have about 90 lbs of live rock - been set up about 2 months. Thanks\
<Likely OK but ultimately not worth the risk... no assurance of freedom from harmful mineral deposits/composition. Besides... we have live rock from Fiji and Tonga in every conceivable shape available from birds nest branches to flat plates (AKA shelf rock)>
John Kummer
<best of luck, John>

Re: Need your opinion on my Live Rock options
Hello again Bob,
Boy do you ever rest!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for your getting back to me
so quickly. You've clearly helped me make a wise choice.
<When I rest, I rest, play, play... you have made a wise choice>
Now - Off of the lighting subject for a moment. In my search for quality
live rock (100 + lbs for a 72G) which, IYO of course, is the most cost
effective, aesthetically pleasing and functional for biological filtration?
<Changes quite often... with season, supplier, protocols... mainly sources in the South Pacific. Best to query a number of competent hobbyists who are more up to date. Our group: http://talk.wetwebfotos.com/>
There are so many types from so many locations that this is a very confusing
choice.
Which is it going to be???? and if you're willing to go out on a limb - Whom
should I buy from?
Alor Live Rock from Bali
Maori Live Rock
Branch Rock from Fiji
Premium FIJI
Deep Water Tonga
Hapai Island
Marshall Island
Tonga Ridge
Aquacultured Rock from the Gulf.
<Again, ask the WWF Chatforum... they know better than I>
What is your experience, if any, with Tampa Bay Saltwater? They seem to have
a very comprehensive package.
<Nice folks there. Honest, competent. A bit more money (per volume)... but a good choice all the way around and THE choice for tropical West Atlantic biotopic presentations>
Always a pleasure to chat with you - Ed
<Be doing so. Bob Fenner>

Hello from Spain.... Question.. (using local live rock)
Robert,
I'm setting up my 55 gallon salt water aquarium here. I had one in Guam and
really enjoyed it. Have been told here (by a local aquarium supply store
owner) that I could not use the live rock from the local seas, here in
Southern Spain, for tropical fish they have imported from Fiji and
Micronesia. Is this true.... and would I have to buy his live rock with
bacteria from "Fiji" for fish from there???? Thanks, Tim
<Mmm, you can/could use the live rock (from most anywhere actually)... and is at least a great savings money wise, let alone worthwhile experiment to cure, adapt to "aquarium conditions". Do read over the "Live Rock" sections on WetWebMedia.com for background... and consider a biotopic presentation with local (Mediterranean) organisms... much that is interesting, beautiful there. Bob Fenner>
Tim Thompson

RE: Hello from Spain.... Question..
Bob, thanks much for the quick response. Will try it out... Much
appreciate the info.
Tim
<Good luck my friend. Life to you. Bob Fenner>
Tim Thompson 

Live Rock question
Hi,, A friend of mine has a reef tank that sprung a leak a while back..
<Yikes. No fun>
He took out all the corals and fish and moved it out into the garage until
he can get a new tank.(200 gallon tank takes a while to save up for that
kinda of beast).
<Glass or acrylic... we can talk about repairing, re-sealing...>
He's maintained the filtration going but pretty much keeps the lights off
though.
He wants to get rid of a lot of the rock and go half rock/half fish now.
The thing is all the rock is kinda all white now.. No more purple algae and
stuff on it...
<Can come back with enhanced lighting, improved water quality, time.>
He still has turbo snails alive in it not many)
He says he tests the water everyone in a while and its ok..
Could this rock probably still alive?
<Yes... at least enough remnants of life forms to make it serviceable, attractive>
or probably dead now from hardly any
light and life in the system?
Would getting some and introducing it in my tank bring it back to life
faster than rock that already has algae and what not on it..
<Not faster... would be better to add some new just-cured live rock on top of this older material>
I'm just trying to figure out if this would be a smart buy since he's
getting rid of it very cheap..
Tonga and Marshall island for around $2 a lb...
<A deal... worth considering. Bob Fenner>

Other sources of LR
Hey Bob. I know LR collection is illegal in most of the U.S., but are there any spots at all along the Atlantic/Pacific coasts where you may acquire live rock,
<Mmm, actually don't know, keep up with the latest laws... who can? I'd check with the State Fish & Game wherever you're thinking about collecting any part of the environment. Their numbers can be found on the Net, Gov't listings in phone directories...>
or would this rock not be quality enough to use anyway?
<Mmm, not really from most anywhere but around/in Florida's waters... unless you're involved in a biotopic presentation. Let's say for example a "cool/cold water reef" of Monterey Bay... with rock from thereabouts. Most all (non-Floridian) continental U.S. rock not calcareous, possessing life forms of real use for tropicals...>
I've been snorkeling a couple times off of the beaches in central FL, but don't remember seeing reef life comparable to the Keys/Bahamas. 
<Mmm, is a bit different... but mostly the same.>
Thanks for the great advice, doing this hobby a great favor. Take Care.
Rex
<Thanks for writing. Bob Fenner>

Live Rock
Bob
Once again thank you for all your help in advance. I feel like I am taking advantage of you by asking all these questions but it is nice to have someone you can talk to that isn't trying to sell you something.
<A guarded view of the world is at times warranted>
I just purchased 86 pounds of live rock from a place called Seatrade. They told me that their rock comes from Walt Smith and the rock I am buying has been sitting in a tank for two years.
<Hmm, the former part is easy to believe... and it is a good idea to replace "old" live rock... so they may be selling off some that they've been using>
I find this hard to believe but it could be the truth. I was told by the sales person that the rock would not spike my ammonia levels and all I needed to do once I received the rock was to soak it in fresh water for 30 to 45 minutes and it was good to go.
<Probably no spike... but why the freshwater soak? If anything was going to cause a "metabolic" die-off (and an ammonia et al. spike) it would be killing off a good part of the live part of the rock...>
Does this sound like good advice and if so do I need to soak the rock in RO water or would treated tap water work. I am interested to know your thoughts on this situation. Thanks again.
Jason
<Curiouser and curiouser... I wouldn't soak this rock in anything... Would just place it... is there a concern that it may harbor pathogens? If so, I would place it w/o fish hosts present and leave it at a slightly lowered spg, elevated temp. for a month or so... as stated: http://wetwebmedia.com/lrcurefaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

Live Rock (purchase source)
First off, I wanted to tell you that I purchased your book and have been
reading it. It is a great book, keep up the good work!
<Thank you. I will try>
A few questions now:
1. Do you know if World Wide Pet Supply (http://www.worldwidepetsupply.com)
is a good company to buy live rock from? 
<I have only heard a few reports/anecdotes re this company. All good. But you might want to post your query on a chatforum or BB: ours: http://talk.wetwebfotos.com/, as the avid aquarists who participate in these have far more first and second hand experience with such firms>
If not, do you have any other
suggestions?
<There are several... many are listed on our Links Page: http://wetwebmedia.com/links.htm>
2. World Wide Pet Supply sells their live rock for $2.99 + $.18 shipping per
pound. The cheapest shipping from other companies is $.65 per pound. Is this
a reason to be concerned?
<Hmm, it is a good idea to "shop around", but not simply for price... there is a very wide variation in quality of live rock (et al.) from even the same area/country... by supplier. Do solicit the opinions of the folks on our Chatforum here>
3. In our town of Idaho Falls we don¹t know of anyone to get a cup of live
sand from. Any suggestions (maybe you could send some, just joking :) ?
<I'd just use the live rock for seeding your dead substrate: http://wetwebmedia.com/livesand.htm>
Thanks again,
Kevin
<Keep reading my friend. Bob Fenner>

Tampa Bay Liverock
I saw a response you had in relation to Tampa Bay Liverock, which stated that you do not and would not purchase rock from them. 
<Hmm, don't think I would state this carte blanche... a well-regarded (by me and most everyone else in the trade and end-users of record) company... am not a fan of the source of the product compared to the subsidized (cheap air freight) South Pacific product... but do endorse this company/site as the best that I know of for rock of/from the tropical West Atlantic. Superb for biotopic presentations from there>
I wanted to know why. I am in the process of purchasing live rock from them and I want to know if I made a mistake. I am creating a mini reef in a 10 gallon tank (no fish), and I wanted to start with good cured live rock. They seem to have a good product, but I would like your opinion. If they are not a good choice, what would be better? thanks
<Once again, and sorry to not be clear (before or here), there is naught wrong with their product... and if you're close enough to FLA to make the price comparable to the South Pacific sources, or wanting to keep, present Caribbean livestock... so be it... and for such a small system, amount of rock, no real savings, loss cost-wise either way. Bob Fenner>

Re: Tampa Bay Liverock
Wow, that was a fast response! Thank you.....I have 1 more question to
squeak in, well at least at the moment, I am sure I will have more in the
future! When references are made towards lighting, and the amount of light
per gallon needed, ex. 3 to 4 watts per gallon, does this only relate to
"white" light, or does this include "actinic" lighting as well? 
<Good question... as a "rule of thumb", this includes total illumination>
For
instance, on my 10 gallon tank, it has 2 32 watt power compacts, 1 10000K
white and 1 actinic. Does this mean I have about 6 watts per gallon, or 3
watts per gallon?
<More like the former>
Thanks again for that speedy response. I am glad I
stumbled on to this website, there is a lot of valuable information!
<Due to the interaction of friends like yourself. Bob Fenner>

live rock source
Hi Bob !
Thanks for the advice about going to Octopus' Garden. I talked to Ron there
and he was very nice and helpful. You were right, he was very
knowledgeable, more so than anyone else I have met who owns a store.
<Yes. A very fine person... very glad to have him as a member of the industry>
He said you were also his landlord. Lucky him, he has access to good
knowledge from you AND he has a store.
<Yes my friend... lots of worthwhile work indeed>
Sounds like you both have very good
lives!
<I agree>
So do you have any other houses for rent? I am a VERY good tenant!
<Will keep you in mind. Have very few vacancies in the course of years.>
Thanks for the help again,... and again,... and again.
Jana
<Thank you, Bob Fenner>