Which rock did you have sucess with?

[Chimchim90]

I've seen alot of debate in my research over the last few months. Just curious what you guys/girls have had success with when it comes to the rock and sand. Using live or dry. I've heard some say the live has a chance to give your tank not good bacteria along with the good. And not to risk it. Dry rock and dry sand with the proper cycle will give same safe results without the potential risk. What experience good or bad have y'all had?

 

[Vinman]

I use Reef Saver dry Rock the true pest-free start

 

[JustinSmi86]

I've seen alot of debate in my research over the last few months. Just curious what you guys/girls have had success with when it comes to the rock and sand. Using live or dry. I've heard some say the live has a chance to give your tank not good bacteria along with the good. And not to risk it. Dry rock and dry sand with the proper cycle will give same safe results without the potential risk. What experience good or bad have y'all had?

I’ve done well with a mix of both. It really depends on where you get your live rock from I think.

 

[Auquanut]

Dry rick is definitely safer. No pests or hitchhikers at all. Live rock can provide a faster cycle, arguably more stability and some interesting critters. For instance: I used a mixture of dry and live rock from the reefer I bought the tank from. With the live rock came micro brittle stars, pods, pineapple sponge, feather dusters and lots of coraline (all good). I also got asterina stars and vermetid snails (not so good). All in all, I haven't had any major problems, and I'm pretty happy. You definitely take a risk using live rock though.

 

[motortrendz]

I used Florida dry rock, but I mixed in a few dried/cleaned and cured fiji tongs and pukani that I had from years past to give more accents to my reef. But I liked the sterile start so I have a better idea what's actually in my tank.

 

[Falco]

after a lot of research I went with CaribSea Liferock Dry Rock because, in my opinion, its essentially dry rock BUT its not bleach white. It is man made, which is more dense than the real dry rock from BRS (or similar) but I didn't have any issues with cycle and my tank right away had a "mature" look that wasn't stark white.

 

[motortrendz]

after a lot of research I went with CaribSea Liferock Dry Rock because, in my opinion, its essentially dry rock BUT its not bleach white. It is man made, which is more dense than the real dry rock from BRS (or similar) but I didn't have any issues with cycle and my tank right away had a "mature" look that wasn't stark white.

That's true. My tank looked like a sterile environment for almost 6 months before it finally started to turn color, and then it went though the ugly phase for a few months where they all look green and yellow. Finally the reds and purples started. But I'd say it was a good year before the rocks matured. Now 3 years in they're just purple lol.

 

[flsalty]

Go with what you are comfortable with. Me? I'm Nature Boy. I enjoy all the stuff on live rock. I usually use a combination of dry and live. I've been lucky in that I've never had a pest problem. I've even used sand and rock I collected myself.

 

[Chimchim90]

Thank you all for your responses! Just left my LFS and I keep changing my game plan. Still not sure which way I'll go maybe a lil of both... Went from looking at the 32 gallon you the 50 and I'm now leaning heavy twords the 75 gallon.

 

[warpdrvr]

after a lot of research I went with CaribSea Liferock Dry Rock because, in my opinion, its essentially dry rock BUT its not bleach white. It is man made, which is more dense than the real dry rock from BRS (or similar) but I didn't have any issues with cycle and my tank right away had a "mature" look that wasn't stark white.

I’ve bought that as well. Being delivered this next week. Their description says it’s “sported” whatever that means. As a n00b, do I just put the rock in and start the cycle. Will I need to toss a shrimp in or do the spores start the cycle? Also do I cure them or just let them go. Inundated with these new terms....

 

[lapin]

I’ve bought that as well. Being delivered this next week. Their description says it’s “sported” whatever that means. As a n00b, do I just put the rock in and start the cycle. Will I need to toss a shrimp in or do the spores start the cycle? Also do I cure them or just let them go. Inundated with these new terms....

Spored. The rock has bacteria spores sprayed on it. When the rock is put in water they come to life and start growing. You should feed them so they multiply

 

[X-37B]

1/2 caribsea 1/2 live rock fully cured from my other tank.
First time using dry rock. Very happy with no cycle using turbo start.
Can't tell the live rock from the caribsea. Purple is a little darker.
The caribsea was in a dry rock curing tank at the lfs.

 

[warpdrvr]

Spored. The rock has bacteria spores sprayed on it. When the rock is put in water they come to life and start growing. You should feed them so they multiply

Feed them what? Like a shrimp to decay or straight ammonia or?

 

[Hemmdog]

Dry Tonga branches, dry Fiji rock, dry special grade sand 80% live 20%.

 

[lapin]

Feed them what? Like a shrimp to decay or straight ammonia or?

That will work as well as flake, pellet or frozen fish food. A bit of vinegar and vodka would also work. No olive or onions needed.

 

[Falco]

I’ve bought that as well. Being delivered this next week. Their description says it’s “sported” whatever that means. As a n00b, do I just put the rock in and start the cycle. Will I need to toss a shrimp in or do the spores start the cycle? Also do I cure them or just let them go. Inundated with these new terms....

I purchased the Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride which is basically the same as using any type of food without the waste in the tank/vat. It cycled very fast and have been very happy with it since.

 

[PugsAndFish]

I haven't been in the hobby nearly as long as others but I've used marco rock and seeded with Biospira three times. Each time went well. Fish went in a few weeks later (likely could've added earlier) and all corals have done ok as well (including acros)