| rocks are essential in saltwater aquarium. They | | | | smaller aquariums. They are the best filter live |
| not only serve as decorations but play major role | | | | rock which makes them the most expensive. |
| in the maintenance of the filtration system. | | | | Atlantic Rock and Gulf Rock are not as porous as |
| Live rocks are made of calcium carbonate | | | | the ones mentioned above. They are not |
| skeletons of long dead corals and other calcerous | | | | recommended to be used as the main type of |
| organisms. There are several types of live rocks. | | | | live rock for the aquarium. |
| Reef rocks are coral pieces covered of algae and | | | | Live rocks are the main biological nitrification base |
| sponges. In-shore rocks are inside reef rocks | | | | or bio filter of saltwater aquarium. They serve as |
| covered with macroalgae, clams, mussels, crabs | | | | a hiding, living space and food source for |
| and shrimps. Dead base rock serve as reef | | | | saltwater fish and invertebrate. The pink and |
| system base because it has no live growth. | | | | purple coralline algae also serve as attraction. |
| The two main types of live rocks are cured | | | | Live rocks also make the aquarium look more |
| rocks and uncured rocks. Cured rocks are free of | | | | natural. This natural-feel is essential for the health |
| dying organic matter. Usually they have been | | | | and comfort of reef fish. |
| inside the retailer’s tank for a longer | | | | When buying live rock for saltwater aquariums, it |
| period of time. They are more expensive because | | | | is recommended that the weight is 1.5 to 2 |
| they are higher in quality. | | | | pounds per gallon. For instance a 30 gallon of |
| Uncured rocks are rocks that may acquire non | | | | water must have 45 to 60 pounds of live rock. |
| living or dying reef organic matter attached to it. | | | | Start with high quality live rock just like ones that |
| There is a possibility of higher die off rate. They | | | | are highly encrusted in coralline algae. If on a |
| are generally cheaper. | | | | budget, then it can also be a combination of a |
| Some live rocks are classified according to origin. | | | | cheaper base rock and more expensive live rock. |
| Pacific rocks are more porous rocks from Fiji, | | | | Avoid those with hair algae. Maintain low nitrate |
| Marshall Islands, Indonesia and other Pacific areas. | | | | and phosphate levels. It is better to set up the |
| They have more carves, nooks and holes. Fiji is | | | | tank first before buying live rocks and ensure |
| usually lighter and has light pink color. Tonga rocks | | | | they are stacked in a stable manner. |
| are heavier and elongated. Most popular tonga | | | | Avoid overloading the system. Also avoid stacking |
| rocks are the slab ones. Marshall and Kaelini rocks | | | | rock solids together. Live rocks need protein |
| are even lighter then Fiji rocks. Walt Smith rocks | | | | skimmer and lighting. Inspect rocks and smell |
| are beautiful and covered with coralline algae. | | | | them. Avoid unwanted pests and foul odors. |
| Caribbean rocks have green, pink and purple | | | | Identify the length of time it has been cured and |
| colors. They are usually with larger holes. | | | | the geographic location of its origin. If rocks are |
| Melanesian rocks have red, orange, yellow, green, | | | | shipped, remember that longer shipping time |
| pink and purple colors. They are flattish in | | | | increases chances of die off. |
| appearance. Nano rocks come from Indonesia | | | | Fresh, unseeded and uncured rocks are the same. |
| with different shapes. They are often used in | | | | |