Pests on Live Rock

[saltwaterlover]

Can you get a fish that eats the pests that you get when you buy live rock? (I’ve researched but haven’t found much) Because I’d prefer to get cured live rock and I can’t get dry rock because I really don’t like the colour [emoji23] but I don’t think I have any aquatic stores that sell cured LR so I can’t get it [emoji53]
I know there’s colony which is got all the good bacteria but I don’t think that does anything to the pests it just speeds it up so you can add fish faster (which I’d love to do[emoji88][emoji23])
But if there’s a type of fish that eats the pests off the rock then that would be good or is there some kind of treatment to kill them off ? And then after you use it would you like do a whole water change to get rid of them.. or..? sorry for the weird question [emoji23]

 

[ndrwater]

There are many types of wrasse that will actively hunt for pests. Copperband butterflies (definitely NOT a fish for a new tank) also hunt for things like Aptasia and vermited snails. Live rock is really "live" because if the beneficial bacteria in/on the rock. Anything else, pests or no, are gravy.
If you are concerned, you can cycle dry rock prior to be adding it to a new tank. There are many threads here describing how this can be done safely and easily.
The color of dry rock will change much quicker than you think. Sometimes being a little patient by using dry rock will save you hours and probably a larger stack of money by not having to worry or deal with potential pest added with "live" rock.

 

[saltwaterlover]

There are many types of wrasse that will actively hunt for pests. Copperband butterflies (definitely NOT a fish for a new tank) also hunt for things like Aptasia and vermited snails. Live rock is really "live" because if the beneficial bacteria in/on the rock. Anything else, pests or no, are gravy.
If you are concerned, you can cycle dry rock prior to be adding it to a new tank. There are many threads here describing how this can be done safely and easily.
The color of dry rock will change much quicker than you think. Sometimes being a little patient by using dry rock will save you hours and probably a larger stack of money by not having to worry or deal with potential pest added with "live" rock.

Ok that’s awesome! What colour does dry rock normally turn to when been in the water?

 

[Jzndvd]

Ok that’s awesome! What colour does dry rock normally turn to when been in the water?

You can wind up with a variety of different colors on your rock. Browns, greens, pinks, purples, and the list goes on. Also with corals as they grow much of your actual rock will be covered.