Legit Live Rock

[mchain275]

Is there a reliable source for ocean harvested live rock anymore?

I fondly remember the days when you could get a 44 lb pound box of Fiji live rock drop shipped for $2.25/pound. I understand that those days are long gone and exporting live rock is extremely restricted now, and I expect to pay dearly for it, but does anyone know of a source for live rock from Australia or Indonesia?

I'm aware of Tampa Bay Saltwater and their offerings, and will probably go with them if I can't find what I'm looking for.

I started my last tank exclusively with dry rock and I think that was the genesis of multiple problems in its first year. Additionally, I find real live rock to be much more porous and attractive (even if it affords less flexibility in aquascaping).

 

[Classictint]

I remember those days of the rock with clams and calerpra etc I think it was covered in wet newspaper if I remember correctly ? nice looking rock for sure I currently have some regular mix rock marinating in a bin for my next build
Would be cool if they brought it back!!


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[joseserrano]

I can do a group buy of Solomon Islands branch rock. It is going to be over $10 alb, but not $15. Most of the cost goes to freight and middle men paperwork. You will also be unable to pick up the rock. It will be assorted branch rock. A minimum about would be around 20kg 40-45lbs

 

[Discotu]

Not exactly what you're looking for but an option
https://uniquecorals.com/collections/live-rock/products/marcorocks-maricultured-live-rock

 

[Classictint]

Not exactly what you're looking for but an option
https://uniquecorals.com/collections/live-rock/products/marcorocks-maricultured-live-rock

Looks good!


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[joseserrano]

Not exactly what you're looking for but an option
https://uniquecorals.com/collections/live-rock/products/marcorocks-maricultured-live-rock

I did see this at rap. The Florida stuff looks way better

 

[Jimbo327]

Those were the good ole days of Walt Smith live rocks, getting still wet in newspaper. Going to a LFS and seeing vats of cured live rocks to choose from. That was awesome, but long gone.

I think the Tonga/Solomon Island branch are the best looking rocks for SPS, but I know some people want to build their negative space rockwork, which is probably not good with branches.

Today's rock prices are pretty insane.

 

[ndrwater]

I think the Tonga Island branch are the best looking rocks for SPS,

Your welcome...IFKYK...

 

[Tangerine Speedo]

Eric over @tankstop has Australian live rock. It's not cheap, but it looks nice.

 

[DETANE]

I was in the wholesale business for a long time and was one of the leading importers of live rock from across the world.

The only place that might make sense to get it from is Mexico nearest to the equator. There are divers that will ship it. Just not too certain on the new regulations. Best best best bet is to contact fish and wildlife near Torrance and ask what is available for import. Sometimes they have boxes of confiscated fish and liverock they donate

 

[banuvatt]

Is there a reliable source for ocean harvested live rock anymore?

I fondly remember the days when you could get a 44 lb pound box of Fiji live rock drop shipped for $2.25/pound. I understand that those days are long gone and exporting live rock is extremely restricted now, and I expect to pay dearly for it, but does anyone know of a source for live rock from Australia or Indonesia?

I'm aware of Tampa Bay Saltwater and their offerings, and will probably go with them if I can't find what I'm looking for.

I started my last tank exclusively with dry rock and I think that was the genesis of multiple problems in its first year. Additionally, I find real live rock to be much more porous and attractive (even if it affords less flexibility in aquascaping).

I was interested in buying some from Tampa Bay as well. Anyone able to do a group buy from Tampa Bay?

 

[joseserrano]

It’s mostl

Eric over @tankstop has Australian live rock. It's not cheap, but it looks nice.

i saw in person. Looks like it’s mostly pocilipora skeletons. Not great for building aquascapes with.

 

[joseserrano]

I was in the wholesale business for a long time and was one of the leading importers of live rock from across the world.

The only place that might make sense to get it from is Mexico nearest to the equator. There are divers that will ship it. Just not too certain on the new regulations. Best best best bet is to contact fish and wildlife near Torrance and ask what is available for import. Sometimes they have boxes of confiscated fish and liverock they donate

Mexico doesn’t have permits to bring in live rock. Most of Mexico live goods are smuggled in to be honest. Their export process must be expensive or really tedious. I know importing into Mex is a real pain and their government is ok with letting animals sit overnight.

 

[mchain275]

Thanks for all the replies on this thread, I really appreciate everyone's input.

 

[mchain275]

I can do a group buy of Solomon Islands branch rock. It is going to be over $10 alb, but not $15. Most of the cost goes to freight and middle men paperwork. You will also be unable to pick up the rock. It will be assorted branch rock. A minimum about would be around 20kg 40-45lbs

How many participants would we need to make a group buy viable? I'm still months away from being in a position to buy, but I would be down for 100 pounds or so.

 

[joseserrano]

How many participants would we need to make a group buy viable? I'm still months away from being in a position to buy, but I would be down for 100 pounds or so.

Realistically they can grab a box while they are out collecting. Send me a text and we can talk more

 

[bakbay]

Are “legit live rocks” worth it? Do they make your corals grow faster?

I prefer cycled dry rocks (faux live rocks?) since they are free of pests. Most my tanks have started with dry rocks so yes — brutal during the first year but stabilized afterwards. Guess I’ve never had true “legit” live rocks so can’t compare.

 

[mescobar]

I don't think the live rocks will magically make your corals grow faster. But they will establish a better biome much quicker, so you don't have to go trough the uglies and pest algaes in the first year. A lot of uglies come from photosynthetic algae when your tank is getting used to your lights. Rock from the ocean doesn't really have that problem since they're usually exposed to the sun.

If I had an upcoming build I'd probably try grabbing some at that solomon rock. Maybe sometime time later this year...

 

[bakbay]

I don't think the live rocks will magically make your corals grow faster. But they will establish a better biome much quicker, so you don't have to go trough the uglies and pest algaes in the first year. A lot of uglies come from photosynthetic algae when your tank is getting used to your lights. Rock from the ocean doesn't really have that problem since they're usually exposed to the sun.

If I had an upcoming build I'd probably try grabbing some at that solomon rock. Maybe sometime time later this year...

I’ve started several tanks from using established LRs (former dry rocks) from my other tank. Yes - instant reef, no uglies, nothing. It’s like doing a 100% WC.

My point is this: is the real LRs from the ocean better than cycled LRs from a tank/bin?

 

[joseserrano]

I’ve started several tanks from using established LRs (former dry rocks) from my other tank. Yes - instant reef, no uglies, nothing. It’s like doing a 100% WC.

My point is this: is the real LRs from the ocean better than cycled LRs from a tank/bin?

Depending on state of tank you are getting rock from.