Hi,
I am just starting up a salt water tank and was wondering what the difference in live rock is and why is so importaint for a salt water tank? My local pet store sells "premium" live rock for $10.99 lb and "Grade C" live rock for $2.99 lb. Is there a big difference? Can I get away with the "grade c" or mix it?
2007-02-01 16:24:49 · 3 answers · asked by sara123 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Live rock, besides being decorative, has living bacteria on/in it which helps reduce ammonia and nitrites in you tank. So, it acts as a living filter.
The biggest difference in live rock is where it comes from, how porous it is, and how many organisms may be on it (how long it's been in the ocean). The more porous it is, the more surface area bacteria have to live. The cheapest stuff is called base rock (probably like your Grade C). It may be sold dry, in which case there's nothing alive on it. That's why it's cheap! The premium stuff usually has good coralline algae already growing on it, and there may be plants, clams, sponges, corals, and all sorts of other neat critters! There's nothing wrong with mixing types. I've bought base rock for the bottom and back layers (where it's hidden) and the good stuff for the front & top (where it's seen). $10.00 seems a little high, though. It goes for $7.99/lb where I'm from (dry base rock is $1.49/lb)
Here's more info:
http://www.fishlore.com/live_rock.htm
http://www.maragon.co.uk/marine.html#Opens
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/liverock1.htm
2007-02-01 16:44:05 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
10.99 for live rock per pound is way too much to be paying. unless its deco live rock which already has good growth on it. search out a better store if possible, because they are ripping you off. but like the one poster wrote, cheap (base rock) is good because its just going to be covered by your better rock anyways, so buy some cheap, and then buy some "grade a" live rock that will be seen and have different organisms growing on it. you also need to know what kind of tank you are wanting to have, fish only, or reef. if you are having a fish only tank, then you dont need to buy any expensive rock, just buy rocks that look good and create a tank that you enjoy looking at. but if you want a reef tank, its always nice to start with better rock so you can get some nice free additions (sponges and what not) and good cavities for you different corals and such you will have later on.
2007-02-02 02:47:40 · answer #2 · answered by dbighound75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We just purchased a tank as well..
My understanding is that the rock grows algae and other bacteria that gets into the water that serves vital for the fish and other creatures you intend to put into it.
I dont knoe the difference between the rocks, but why wouldnt the sales person tell you the difference?
If you are investing alot of money into this, which I sure you are, I highly suggest getting mostly premium, and get just a few grade Cs for looks only..
You want your fish to last a long time and it needs the preimum rock to live.
You dont want your $200 fish/seahorse/etc dying because its environment sucks.
2007-02-02 00:36:03 · answer #3 · answered by Dawn H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋