Ambitious for a newbie to start with dry rock?

[antsbumblebee]

In the planning stages of my tank, never done SW before and though I feel like the live rock at my LFS is legit, I'm thinking about starting with dry. I like the idea of really building it up myself (hopefully you get what I'm saying and I'm gradually moving away from being the village simpleton) and I think I kind of want to try to aquascape a tiny bit; this tank will be my baby, learning project, and something for the cat to oggle while I'm at work so I want to have fun with it and make sure its attractive looking.

Thoughts gods of the reefing world?

 

[Mike in CT]

I think dry rock will save you a lot of headaches personally. Might take a little longer for it to mature, but you won't inherit a bunch of nasties neither!

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

LOL I am definitely no a god of the reefing world so we can get that out of the way. But to answer your question about dry rock. It is pretty easy and less expensive. It will take more time to cycle.

Here is a link with some videos for beginners if you are interested in watching them. Buy Live Coral, Saltwater Fish, Aquarium Supplies | Vivid Aquariums | Tropical Fish Store Los Angeles

Here is another link Videos - Bulk Reef Supply These guys sell pretty cheap dry rock also. Good place to add to your favorites!

 

[mike007]

I think dry rock will save you a lot of headaches personally. Might take a little longer for it to mature, but you won't inherit a bunch of nasties neither!

+1 on that.But you want to seed the tank with some coralline algae.

 

[RLM60]

If I can I would also suggest that you get a cup of sand from a well established tank which you could use to seed your tank.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I see nothing wrong with using dry rock. It can save you lots of headaches down the road with unwanted hitchhikers. My next tank is going to be with mostly dry rock and select pieces of live.