Live Rock - Aquarium Advice

Social_d87 · 04-17-2008, 11:12 PM

I was Just wondering how to really tell if live rock is live? I talked to this guy and he said he has 70 pounds of live rock at his house and he would sell it to me for $2 a pound. I just don't want to get ripped off. Thanks

fijiwigi · 04-17-2008, 11:20 PM

If it has been in an established tank than the bacteria living on the rock is established. $2 a pound would be a good deal for that beneficial bacteria especially is it looks really cool any coraline would be a plus

tawolcott · 04-18-2008, 07:00 AM

Two bucks a pound isn't that bad of a deal for uncured 'formerly' live rock, for that matter even base rock when you figure you don't have to pay shipping

**roka64** · 04-18-2008, 10:21 AM

That's an awesome deal! Make sure he hasn't used copper in the tank, and check on other meds he has used. Does he still have fish in that tank?

**Ziggy953** · 04-18-2008, 10:24 AM

I agree $2/lb is a great price for live rock. $2lb for base rock would even be a good price. Like Roka said ask him about any meds he used in the tank especially copper.

cmor1701d · 04-18-2008, 02:45 PM

It sounds like he has 'formally' LR meaning that is no longer sitting in a functioning aquarium. As long as no copper or other meds were used when it was LR you should be fine. That's a fair price for base rock. It will become LR again during the cycle.

**lando** · 04-18-2008, 07:10 PM

First things first...look at the rock. Look for good coraline growth and other signs of cured LR such tube worms, smal corals, etc. Also, smell the tank water. If it smells like sea water with no foul odor it is most likely cured LR. As mentioned, get a detailed Hx of the tank and LR. Ask how old it is, how long the rock has been in the tank and if meds ever used in the tank. If all checks out $2/lb is a screaming good deal.

04-17-2008, 11:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Social_d87 Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 44	Live Rock I was Just wondering how to really tell if live rock is live? I talked to this guy and he said he has 70 pounds of live rock at his house and he would sell it to me for $2 a pound. I just don't want to get ripped off. Thanks

04-17-2008, 11:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
fijiwigi Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Yakima, Washington Posts: 1,033 Images: 7	If it has been in an established tank than the bacteria living on the rock is established. $2 a pound would be a good deal for that beneficial bacteria especially is it looks really cool any coraline would be a plus __________________ I am excited to create my personal mini-ocean with the needed help From fellow addicts @ AquariumAdvice.com S.D.M.F http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c48oMTmYcz4

04-18-2008, 10:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,380 Images: 12	That's an awesome deal! Make sure he hasn't used copper in the tank, and check on other meds he has used. Does he still have fish in that tank? __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

04-18-2008, 10:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 2,875 Images: 5	I agree $2/lb is a great price for live rock. $2lb for base rock would even be a good price. Like Roka said ask him about any meds he used in the tank especially copper. __________________ Happy Reefing! *NEW 150G Pick up 6/29/08 Build will be 4th of July weekend* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here! Pods, algae and more!

04-18-2008, 02:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 3,358 Images: 43	It sounds like he has 'formally' LR meaning that is no longer sitting in a functioning aquarium. As long as no copper or other meds were used when it was LR you should be fine. That's a fair price for base rock. It will become LR again during the cycle. __________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor

04-18-2008, 07:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
tawolcott Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tired of the mod power plays; gone to another forum Posts: 261	Two bucks a pound isn't that bad of a deal for uncured 'formerly' live rock, for that matter even base rock when you figure you don't have to pay shipping

04-18-2008, 07:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
lando Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Savage, MN Posts: 7,613 Images: 46	First things first...look at the rock. Look for good coraline growth and other signs of cured LR such tube worms, smal corals, etc. Also, smell the tank water. If it smells like sea water with no foul odor it is most likely cured LR. As mentioned, get a detailed Hx of the tank and LR. Ask how old it is, how long the rock has been in the tank and if meds ever used in the tank. If all checks out $2/lb is a screaming good deal. __________________ Some people are like slinkies...they serve no real purpose yet can still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs! Have a great day! Brian

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