Is it worth adding live rock to an established system?

[Schlafrig]

Currently have a 25 lagoon that has been setup for about a year at this point. Everything seems happy and I haven't had any major issues. I have been trying to seed Coralline without any luck. I was debating on if I should buy some live rock to increase the biodiversity and introduce a large source of coralline. The only issue is I'm pretty much maxed out on rock unless I redid my scape and could only fit a few pounds. Is there anywhere I can buy a small amount ? Is it even worth it? I started from all dry rock.

 

[Prowler66gt]

Gulf Live Rock has rubble rock in 1lb or a pico pack that has 5lb rock and 5lb sand. I used their rock for 75% of what is in my tank and am very happy with the rock and the service I received.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Every time you buy a coral from a different source you are bringing new and different bacteria and biodiversity to your tank.

 

[Schlafrig]

Gulf Live Rock has rubble rock in 1lb or a pico pack that has 5lb rock and 5lb sand. I used their rock for 75% of what is in my tank and am very happy with the rock and the service I received.

Is the sand worth it? I thought the general consensus was that most bacteria was in the rock and not much in the sand.

 

[Prowler66gt]

Is the sand worth it? I thought the general consensus was that most bacteria was in the rock and not much in the sand.

There is bacteria and biodiversity in both the rock and sand. I didn't use their sand but now wish I had for a more natural ocean floor look. For the price, the pico pack seems like a great deal IMO

 

[adammannelin]

Are you running an AIO or do you have a full sump set up? If you are running a sump, my suggestion would be to put some dry rock in the sump and let it “cure” for a couple of weeks then move it in to the display. If it’s not for aesthetic purposes, you can always just leave it out of sight for the added filtration.

 

[adammannelin]

Missed the part about wanting to add coralline algae. I’ve never tried or used it myself, but there is bottled coralline starter that you could try to supplement with. I’m also seeing that TSA sells a vial of coralline chunks you could try attaching to your scape.

 

[X-37B]

Currently have a 25 lagoon that has been setup for about a year at this point. Everything seems happy and I haven't had any major issues. I have been trying to seed Coralline without any luck. I was debating on if I should buy some live rock to increase the biodiversity and introduce a large source of coralline. The only issue is I'm pretty much maxed out on rock unless I redid my scape and could only fit a few pounds. Is there anywhere I can buy a small amount ? Is it even worth it? I started from all dry rock.

Simplest way is get some coralline from lfs or fellow reefer. Scrape some off the walls and drop it in.
Several small pieces of coralline covered rocks should be enough without having to rearranging the scape is another option.

 

[PPBlimpy]

i would look at gulf live rocks pico pack. 5lbs rock and 5 lbs sand.

i am starting a 13.5 and ordering that soon for it. will ad rock from my big tank to fill in the tank but i want that bio diversity.

 

[BZreef16]

I just seeded my tank with the rock and sand bundle from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Rock had a lot of Coraline and sponges on it and sand came fully submerged. Happy with the purchase.

 

[Schlafrig]

Are you running an AIO or do you have a full sump set up? If you are running a sump, my suggestion would be to put some dry rock in the sump and let it “cure” for a couple of weeks then move it in to the display. If it’s not for aesthetic purposes, you can always just leave it out of sight for the added filtration.

I just have an AIO, and ive tried the bottled stuff but even after a few months I didnt see anything

 

[Uncle99]

Everything is happy!
Sand has a ton of surface area.
Why risk something that’s working.

 

[Schlafrig]

I just seeded my tank with the rock and sand bundle from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Rock had a lot of Coraline and sponges on it and sand came fully submerged. Happy with the purchase.

Im probably just going to do that, seems like a pretty good deal and its been mentioned a few times already

 

[LiverockRocks Verified Sponsor]

Im probably just going to do that, seems like a pretty good deal and its been mentioned a few times already

Hey there,
Thanks for considering the TBS Pico Package. Be sure to mention that you're looking for rocks with extra coralline and we will pack accordingly. The Original Pico Package
Rock on.

 

[IceNein]

Is the sand worth it? I thought the general consensus was that most bacteria was in the rock and not much in the sand.

In my opinion, yes.

In the ocean things are spawning all of the time, and most of the things that spawn get eaten. When you get sand, you get microscopic critters that are hiding out, trying to make it to adulthood. When you put them in your tank, you don't have the vast majority of the predators that are eating these things, so instead of getting eaten, they become adults. You may never see the things that you bring in with your sand, but they'll be in your tank doing their work.

A while ago I pulled out some rocks to try to eliminate some aiptasia and under them I found all sorts of weird worms, bristle and others, a large chiton that I had never seen before or since, and some tiny little crabs.

So what you're getting with real ocean sand and rock is not just bacteria.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Currently have a 25 lagoon that has been setup for about a year at this point. Everything seems happy and I haven't had any major issues. I have been trying to seed Coralline without any luck. I was debating on if I should buy some live rock to increase the biodiversity and introduce a large source of coralline. The only issue is I'm pretty much maxed out on rock unless I redid my scape and could only fit a few pounds. Is there anywhere I can buy a small amount ? Is it even worth it? I started from all dry rock.

Get some CUC ! I have gotten many snails that had little bits of coralline on their shells.

 

[Schlafrig]

Hey there,
Thanks for considering the TBS Pico Package. Be sure to mention that you're looking for rocks with extra coralline and we will pack accordingly. The Original Pico Package
Rock on.

I'm not sure if I'm just blind but I wasn't able to find the difference between the premium and the base rock on the website. What is the difference? Or could you point me to where I can find that info?

 

[John Neuzil]

Yes its worth it.

 

[Anna K]

I just picked up AF Life Source this week and dosed it for the first time, and man that help with the biodiversity of my tank. Some say it's helped mature their tank rather quickly. Just a different route if you were stuck on rocks or sand.

 

[LiverockRocks Verified Sponsor]

I'm not sure if I'm just blind but I wasn't able to find the difference between the premium and the base rock on the website. What is the difference? Or could you point me to where I can find that info?

TBS Base Live Rock has been soaking the same amount of time as premium. While it is rather plain on the exterior, the rock hosts beneficial micro-organisms. It is excellent for cycling new tanks. WS arch example.

TBS Premium Live Rock has been growing on the farm 3-30+ years. It hosts more eye candy like sponges, macro, tunicates, bivalves, corals, etc. It is excellent for post cycled tanks / established tanks. WS arch example.