Received Live Rock: Is It Dead or Alive?

[Kongo]

I have just received some live rock from a supplier by mail, and several people have claimed that it's dead or nearly so. They say it won't count as live rock until it has been cured for about a year or so.

The supplier responds:
"It’s clear that some of the bacteria on the surface of the rock may have died during transport. However, the bacteria inside the rock typically survive. In an aquarium under light, live rock eventually develops coralline algae, but in the shop without lights, this algae doesn’t have a chance to grow."

What do you think?

 

[piranhaman00]

That is very fresh rock that was not even sent “live” , looks like not much to die off.

 

[jayala12]

Looks like dry rock that was kept in water for a week and sent as live rock.

 

[Kongo]

Looks like dry rock that was kept in water for a week and sent as live rock.

Well, that would make it the most expensive dry rock I’ve come across..

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I'll agree with the others saying that it does not look like live rock.

 

[Dburr1014]

I have just received some live rock from a supplier by mail, and several people have claimed that it's dead or nearly so. They say it won't count as live rock until it has been cured for about a year or so.

The supplier responds:
"It’s clear that some of the bacteria on the surface of the rock may have died during transport. However, the bacteria inside the rock typically survive. In an aquarium under light, live rock eventually develops coralline algae, but in the shop without lights, this algae doesn’t have a chance to grow."

What do you think?

Was it wet when you got it?

 

[Kongo]

Was it wet when you got it?

It was shipped with some water, though not completely submerged, so 'moistened' would be the most accurate description, I suppose.

 

[stewy14]

looks like rock that was put into a tank for a week, never ever ever seen full white rock in the ocean, its a fake and a scam

 

[twentyleagues]

From the supplier's answer it is from stock tanks without light and without much life. Possibly bacteria, algal spores, aiptasia, worms/pods within the rock. I have currently and in the past had large quantities of dry rock held in my sump or in previous sumps that looked like that after years in the water so no idea how long its been in water. It is "live" to a point but is not live ocean rock with multiple life forms. Hopefully you didnt pay too much for it. Standard tank live rock at one of my lfs is $9/lb, premium with coralline algae is $14/lb but there is very little avail. I will probably never buy lfs live rock again while it allows insta tanking you get all the bad and very little good or cool of actual ocean live rock.

 

[jackson6745]

My Australian rock turned white while I was curing it. It turned purple again with Coraline 3 months later. It's possible that your rock didn't see light for a long time and or it was kept poorly. That is low quality rock IMO and the price should reflect it. Otherwise, I think it will work fine.

 

[PotatoPig]

Looks like it’s basically pre-cycled dry rock. I’m guessing it’ll process ammonia just fine, but doesn’t have the biodiversity and critters you’re looking for with live rock.

 

[Dburr1014]

It was shipped with some water, though not completely submerged, so 'moistened' would be the most accurate description, I suppose.

Probably has bacteria, not much else.
By definition it's live.

 

[GARRIGA]

Live rock to me is that pulled from the ocean. As mentioned by others. This looks like dry rock soaked in tank water.

I’d be ticked.

 

[Tamberav]

Is it real Tonga branch? That stuff is pricey even if it’s dry.

 

[twentyleagues]

You can add it to your tank and add some ammonia and test to see how fast it processes it. I would also test phosphates after a couple days as it may have "absorbed" quite a bit while curing.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

Well there is live rock and then there is ocean rock in my opinion. Live rock is aqua cultured in a tank. Its gone through the motions. Its got bacteria and ready to go. But unless its a few dollars more than dry rock. Its not worth it.

Ocean rock should have all sorts of life on it with some coralline . Doesn't have to be covered in it. But should have some thick crusts.

I have an overflow 20 gallon long tank filled with mainly rock as its ready to go for any new tanks I do lol. I started this about 2 months ago. And it looks way more biodiverse that those rocks.

 

[Kongo]

It was marketed as "Indonesian Live Rock".

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I have just received some live rock from a supplier by mail, and several people have claimed that it's dead or nearly so. They say it won't count as live rock until it has been cured for about a year or so.

The supplier responds:
"It’s clear that some of the bacteria on the surface of the rock may have died during transport. However, the bacteria inside the rock typically survive. In an aquarium under light, live rock eventually develops coralline algae, but in the shop without lights, this algae doesn’t have a chance to grow."

What do you think?

Please provide link to supplier so we have a better idea of what this is. We will be able to help further.

This is live rock

Base Live Rock – Tampa Bay Saltwater

 

[Dburr1014]

It was marketed as "Indonesian Live Rock".

Stock pic from the website?

Not what you got, well, it is, but not looking like it was pulled from the ocean.
I'd be ticked if I opened that box.

 

[twentyleagues]

Rubble rock in my sump since January.

Example of the display with light.

Big difference when kept in light.
Still technically live just no ocean live.