Live Rock and Worms

[kj91867]

After reading some threads and comments regarding worms in live rock, is there a way of actually knowing what is in live rock before you purchase it?
Or even after you purchase it and put it in the tank, is there a way to detect such things are around?

Reason I ask, is because I wouldnt want to start adding things to the tank and then have a worm come along and destroy it all in a matter of seconds. This is the whole thing that bothers me and worries me the most, is getting the tank set up and running, add live rock and wake up one day and wham, a lot of money down the drain.

Is dry rock better than live rock? Or is live rock better than dry? Does it even matter? Is there something even better out there? After reading all that and the things they had to do in order to get rid of the worms, idk, but seems like too much work involved and then having to dig into the rock itself to get the things out.

Can these worms hitch hike in anything, say like sand or gravel?

So basically is it all a game of chance? You gamble with live rock and take your chances and hope to not get any of the worms that destroy everything?

With dry rock, Im assuming, eventually things will grow on them, but will take longer than with live.

 

[Reefing Madness]

You have it all correct. Lots of beneficial hitch hickers in Live Rock, lot of bad things also. As the cost is high on Live Rock, I would opt for getting all dry rocks myself. I went the Marco Rocks, love the stuff, and no Hitch hickers. Now to get the coralline in the tank, borrow a plug from one of your buddies tanks, or give him a plug to grow you coralline then put it in your tank, and off you go.
As far as the sand goes, I know there are alot of beneficial bacteria in there, never seen any worms myself, but maybe someone here has.

 

[kj91867]

[I went the Marco Rocks, love the stuff, and no Hitch hickers.]

sounds much better and a safer route to go. i like this alot. thx for the info. most appreciated.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Right on.