Best Value on Aquacultured Rock and Sand for a Nano Right Now + A Mantis too boot?

[Fish Fan]

Hi guys! I didn't know where to post this, so Mods please move if needed, but I am interested in ordering a small quantity (like, 3-8 lbs each) of some aquacultured live rock and sand, and I'm asking for recommendations for the "best value".

For years, I have known about Tampa Bay Saltwater, and I only recently learned of their small "Treasure Chests". I also see where they sell Mantes as well. I am really interested in ordering a small amount of both some aquacultured rock and sand, and a Mantis, if possible.

Is Tampa Bay Saltwater my best bet for this, or are there other places offering a better value or a better deal on aquacultured live rock and sand, even if I have to order the Mantis separately?

Thanks so much for yor help!

 

[blaxsun]

It sounds like they may meet your specific needs. You should give them a call.

 

[Fish Fan]

It sounds like they may meet your specific needs. You should give them a call.

Thank you! I did reach out to TBS by email, and I would be thrilled to use them. But before I pull the trigger, I just wanted to ask if there's anywhere else I should be looking.

Thanks again!

 

[Nick711]

TBS, KP Aquatics & Gulf Live Rock are 3 of the main players within the U.S.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

TBS, KP Aquatics & Gulf Live Rock are 3 of the main players within the U.S.

This. Ain't much of a deal to be had, it's just what it is.

 

[cdnco2004]

TBS

 

[JoJosReef]

It's pricey but really good. Best bet unless you can find someone with established old Fiji/Tonga/Marshall Islands rocks willing to part with some.

I can't quantify the benefits of gulf live rock, all I can say is my 100% TBS nano tank brought me great joy while my CaribSea "Life" rock nano tank brought me great pain (some joy, but at the cost of great pain).

 

[Fish Fan]

TBS, KP Aquatics & Gulf Live Rock are 3 of the main players within the U.S.

Thank you! It was KP and Gulf Live Rock that I couldn't remember. But it seems that TBS generally gets the slight nod, so might as well use them. I reached out the them to see if they can include a Mantis with one of their Treasure CHest packages. I really don't see why they can't since Mantes are well-known hitchhikers that come on rock routinely, but I'll see what they say.

I am planning another tank that I am planning on starting with dry rock, but I have always been interested in the Aquacultured stuff, and these small Treasure Chests are a good size for me. I'm excited to see what comes out of the aquacultured rock and sand.

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[tautog83]

..$85 shipping though.. seems crazy . I know the box with water weighs like 20 lbs but it makes you wonder how some fish places are able to offer free shipping at 249. If you ordered 3 larger 3"-4" tangs id imagine the box would weigh 10-15lbs . I mean we all used fiji rock in the day and that was shipped in wet paper and god only knows how long on a boat . I guess people buy it for different reasons now, i dont care how much macroalgae or corals that i dont want come along as hitchhikers , give me the bacteria biodiversity.! i mean obviously shipped in water will give you the least amount of die off and i get that but dang.

 

[Fish Fan]

..$85 shipping though.. seems crazy . I know the box with water weighs like 20 lbs but it makes you wonder how some fish places are able to offer free shipping at 249. If you ordered 3 larger 3"-4" tangs id imagine the box would weigh 10-15lbs . I mean we all used fiji rock in the day and that was shipped in wet paper and god only knows how long on a boat . I guess people buy it for different reasons now, i dont care how much macroalgae or corals that i dont want come along as hitchhikers , give me the bacteria biodiversity.! i mean obviously shipped in water will give you the least amount of die off and i get that but dang.

I am 100% with you, I think the shipping is very expensive, even considering what they are doing. Add to that $85 another $12 box charge and Florida sales tax and the little $40 Pico Treasure Chests costs just short of $150 delivered.

 

[fish farmer]

I think TBS is the only place you can get that small an order of rock.

I just priced 10 lbs starter rock from KP and my cart had $131. I think UPS shipping WAS included. KP looked like it was out of premium rock.

 

[Fish Fan]

I think TBS is the only place you can get that small an order of rock.

I just priced 10 lbs starter rock from KP and my cart had $131. I think UPS shipping WAS included. KP looked like it was out of premium rock.

Hmmm, that's not really a bad price if the shipping is included. TBS wants $86 plus a $12 box charge to ship one of these small packages by UPS to your door. Air freight is available and less expensive, but not without its hassels.