Picking up live rock from local source

[Necrodaemus]

A local coral/fish seller offered me a great deal on mature, wet, live rock which I’ll be going to pick up next week. I’m getting around 80 pounds. My goal is to use 5 gallon buckets with water to transport them to minimize any die-off and it will be going straight into the tank. My question is, how many buckets should I prepare to bring for this much rock? I know it’s going to vary depending on density, shape, size, etc but I’m trying to get a ballpark idea to make sure I’ll have enough.

 

[JTP424]

Depends a lot on size and shape as you stated, I've got about 15-20 lbs of dry rock that fits nicely in a single 5 gallon.
Suckers are going to be pretty heavy, so maybe 5 on the low end. 8 on the high end?
Might want to find a brute can or two for any large pieces.

 

[blecki]

Just drape some wet paper towels over the rocks that stick out. It will be fine.

 

[JTP424]

Just drape some wet paper towels over the rocks that stick out. It will be fine.

Agreed with this, depending on how long/far the travel is should be good with keeping them "humid"

 

[mfinn]

You can even use a camping type cooler.
Using a damp towel over the top of the rock will work.

 

[zoolan70]

Depending on the distance, it might be easier to use fewer buckets and do more trips.