Real Australian Live Rock Back!!!!

[Eric Cohen]

Question: If I bought some Marco Rock, Carib sea, Reef rock etc, took it to the ocean and left it in a nice spot to become live, could I sell it as live Australian rock? I know of aquariums stores that conjure their own in sumps and sell that, I wondering if it would be a viable way to make money. Buying rocks, seeding them then selling them.

Yes you could seed dry rock and later call it live rock. You would still have to call the Marco rock, live Marco Rock, and the Carib Sea rock, Live Carib Sea Rock etc. One of the benefits of Australian live rock is the shape and density, not to mention the biological diversity you wouldn’t get from Caribbean waters but if you’re really looking for a side biz, I say give it a try!

 

[bozo]

Anymore available?

Do you do pick up? I'm also in los angeles.

Thanks

 

[Eric Cohen]

New rock in!!! Amazing batch! A few pics.

 

[RevMH]

New rock in!!! Amazing batch! A few pics.

I'm trying to get a feel for how much to order. Since this is lighter weight than Marco, for example, I can't visualize how much I'll need.
I'm setting up a 200 gallon (70"L x 30"W) and plan to have 3 separate rock structures roughly 10"-12" high. Are you able to give me a ballpark of how much I might need?

 

[Eric Cohen]

I'm trying to get a feel for how much to order. Since this is lighter weight than Marco, for example, I can't visualize how much I'll need.
I'm setting up a 200 gallon (70"L x 30"W) and plan to have 3 separate rock structures roughly 10"-12" high. Are you able to give me a ballpark of how much I might need?

I would say the rock is 3 times lighter than Marco. 20 pounds fills a box that is 18x17x16. Three boxes might work.

 

[RevMH]

I would say the rock is 3 times lighter than Marco. 20 pounds fills a box that is 18x17x16. Three boxes might work.

Awesome. Thank you for the quick and concise reply. I appreciate you!

 

[Eric Cohen]

Awesome. Thank you for the quick and concise reply. I appreciate you!

I have rock curing now since October 6th. I haven’t packed any of this new batch yet so you would get a really nice selection of pieces. I can FaceTime with you when picking the rock as well but it’s all really good right now. Keep me posted.

 

[RevMH]

I have rock curing now since October 6th. I haven’t packed any of this new batch yet so you would get a really nice selection of pieces. I can FaceTime with you when picking the rock as well but it’s all really good right now. Keep me posted.

That's wonderful news! I'm probably still a month or so out before rock, but when I need it, I will absolutely reach out.

 

[Eric Cohen]

Sounds good! Give me a few weeks heads up so I can make sure to have enough for you!

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

Awesome. Thank you for the quick and concise reply. I appreciate you!

I bought 65lbs from Eric this May and couldn’t be happier! 5months later it’s fully encrusted with self-populated coralline, sponges, tunicates, and LPS corals!!!

See below for what 65lbs looked like in 55gal holding tank when I initially received it.


An example of one of the self-populated LPS

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Here is what 35lbs of Aussie rock looks like: Coralline has completely covered the rock, and it's only been around 4-5 months.

It's absolutely gorgeous! However, if coralline cover and the fact that the rock has been in the ocean for thousands of years or so is a big part of the value, I feel the rock we get straight from Indonesia is equivalent in quality...here are a few pics. I really don't think it could be better if you pulled out of the ocean and stuck it directly in your tank immediately. However, I would absolutely order a few pieces (because of cost) if I were in America though. To me this stuff is unbeatable though. I won't mention price.

 

[RevMH]

I bought 65lbs from Eric this May and couldn’t be happier! 5months later it’s fully encrusted with self-populated coralline, sponges, tunicates, and LPS corals!!!

See below for what 65lbs looked like in 55gal holding tank when I initially received it.


An example of one of the self-populated LPS

That's beautiful. Thank you for sharing this, it gives me a good perspective into the dimensions.

 

[RevMH]

I bought 65lbs from Eric this May and couldn’t be happier! 5months later it’s fully encrusted with self-populated coralline, sponges, tunicates, and LPS corals!!!

See below for what 65lbs looked like in 55gal holding tank when I initially received it.


An example of one of the self-populated LPS

Follow up question. Did you notice any undesirable hitchhikers?

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

Follow up question. Did you notice any undesirable hitchhikers?

None whatsoever, it was super clean.

Anything that may have missed were taken care of by the Tomini Tang and Melanurus Wrasse I threw in there.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Just a question but doesn't the curing process eliminate some of the biodiversity?

 

[RevMH]

None whatsoever, it was super clean.

Anything that may have missed were taken care of by the Tomini Tang and Melanurus Wrasse I threw in there.

Thank you for answering my questions. If it's too many, let me know.

How usable has the rock been for you (assuming you've used it) for making an aquascape? I understand the rock is fairly fragile, has that hindered you in creating structures or with coral placements?

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

I ‘scaped it to make the holding tank more hospitable for the Tomini and Melanurus. It’s simple to create stable caves and structures with plenty of negative space.

The rock I received was primarily branching and tabling SPS skeletons. It’s only fragile if you’re truly rough with it. I accidentally tipped some over in the tank and not a single piece broke.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I truly wish I could legally export the rock we get here. If this rock is still selling for 25/lb, I would make a FORTUNE!...not to mention help out a lot of fellow reefers by providing live rock from the the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth (The Coral Triangle).

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

Just a question but doesn't the curing process eliminate some of the biodiversity?

The curing process minimises the negative effects of die off from organisms that will not survive in most reef tank systems, particularly during the start up period.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

The curing process minimises the negative effects of die off from organisms that will not survive in most reef tank systems, particularly during the start up period.

I forgot it does have a rather long transportation period. I'm not accustomed to that and forget easily these days.