What is the best Live Rock for Saltwater tanks??

Question

I just placed an order for some TONGA UANIVA LiveRock and I want to know is it one of the better kinds of Rock.

Answer 1

There really is no single "best", but there are preferences.

Generally any of the Pacific origin rock (this includes tonga) is more porous, so it provides more surface area for bacteria to colonize. So if you're looking solely from a standpoint of biological filtration, this is a good type. You also need less to achieve the same filtration than Atlantic or Caribbean rock.

Atlantic and Caribbean tend to be more colorful, and at an earlier time. So if this is what you're looking for, this type might be better. And some of the Atlantic rock is aqua-cultured - meaning chunks of concrete, dry carbonate rock, and artificial rocks are placed in the ocean for 1.5-2 years then brought back - this method doesn't remove natural reef rubble, but by being in the water near natural reefs will contain the same organisms. So this type might be considered more environmentally friendly.

Two of my tanks have the Atlantic aqua-cultured rock and one has Tonga branch rock stood on end to create "pillars" for the fish to swim through - looks pretty cool!

See this link for an article that talks about this subject: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_2/cav2i3/Live_Rock/live_rock.htm