Wanted: Live Rock for 10 gallon

[markkazdad]

Thanks for all the input to my question about selecting a tank size. I've decided to go ahead and get a 10 gallon started cycling with some live rock and sand. Are these available locally either at a store or from a member? If not, can someone recommend an online merchant that sells small quantities?

I may go ahead and get a little extra and set up the 1.6 gallon as well, so I think that means I will want 15 to 20 pounds total rock. I'm not sure how much sand for a ~1 - 1.5" sand bed.

Am I understanding correctly that lighting is not very critical if I am just cycling the live rock and sand? My plan is to just use what I have for a few weeks while I learn how to test water, mix new salt water, do top offs and water changes, and stuff. No sense investing in more until I see if I'm able to keep up with that.

I would like to find some this week while I have the house to myself, but since I'm working the 11pm-7am shift, "local" means somewhere around Athens - Scottsboro - Arab. I don't think I'm going to feel up to driving to Cullman or Winchester, so I may end up having to order some.

 

[H@rry]

I've got about three pieces in the sump that I took out of the display a few weeks ago. That would be plenty for a ten gallon. $4/lb if you want to swing by and get it.

 

[markkazdad]

For the reference of any future searchers, I did see brown and white rock at the Aquarium shop for $10/lb and a few large chunks at Petco in Madison for $22 and up. Their tanks had some funky gel-like brown substance growing on the gravel. It looked like it had BB- to pea-sized bubbles trapped in it.

The best bet is to post here and see if local members have any available. I had a few leads within 24 hours.

 

[EmilyXLC]

Michael Mason has some for $3 per pound. I should be picking some up from him later this week!