Help with live rock

pix4c

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Need help with live rock I’m setting up a 75 gallon tank and was gonna use half Marco dry rock and half Tampa bay but now I’m hearing Mark rock is going to be nothing but algae magnet and I already ordered the Marco rock Ugg
 

Fish Fan

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I think mixing half and half live/dry rock isn't a bad way to go. I think you'll get some "uglies" on the dry rocks, but after 6 to 12 months, likely you won't be able to tell the dry rock from the live rock.

Good luck!
 
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pix4c

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I think mixing half and half live/dry rock isn't a bad way to go. I think you'll get some "uglies" on the dry rocks, but after 6 to 12 months, likely you won't be able to tell the dry rock from the live rock.

Good luck!
Thank you
 

yyff88

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Both dry rock and live rock will grow algae at some point — that’s basically unavoidable in a new system. Dry rock often gets blamed, but live rock goes through the same “ugly phase” too.

The big difference is that live rock brings in established bacteria and micro-life, which helps the tank stabilize faster and usually makes the ugly phase easier to manage. Dry rock just takes longer to mature biologically.

Mixing live rock with dry rock is actually a solid approach. Over time, the dry rock will seed from the live rock and you won’t be able to tell them apart. Patience and good nutrient control matter more than the rock choice itself.
 

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