POLL: Live Rock or dry rock

[stewart1019]

I mix. For larger setups, live rock is so expensive. So I like to mix it up and use some of each. You just can't beat that natural look of real live rock, plus it is needed for seeding. But dry rock works great for filler pieces. A few years ago on my last setup I bought a piece of man made dry rock that is in the shape of a cave. I love it, so do the fish. And eventually it looked exactly like the live rock. Just took some time.

 

[Electrobes]

I have used dry rock from the beginning (8-9 years ago), seeded with a bit of live rock, and still do to this day. I'll always advocate it, but considering my business I'm a bit bias now! :wink:

 

[m and m]

Wow live rock took a late lead this is surprising to me that people would go that route.

 

[mobyreef]

I started with live rock 15 years ago and would buy live again. I can handle the hitchhikers. The worst one I have received was Mantis shrimp but they are easy to trap & sell to the LFS.
I do like the idea of splitting the rock order with half live & half dry to save $. I really like the life that comes with the live rock, including corals that are attached and bivalves and everything else. It is fun & exciting to see what comes out at night too.

My 2 cents

 

[btkrausen]

When I do a new tank, I plan to buy all dry, and then seed it from my existing live rock....granted I get rid of this bubble algae :)

 

[Captain Nemo]

I personally used the LR, as I was impatient and wanted to shorten the cycling time. Next time if I start from scratch, iwill mix like most people say. This seems to be the cheaper route and work just as well.

 

[Ladysaber]

I used Reel Reef rock in my 90. I originally had about 50 lbs of rock from my 30 and used it, along with the RR. The stuff was great! My LFS keeps all of it on order. I wasn't impatient but I also didn't want blaring white rock in my tank sitting against the aged rock. Lol. There was absolutely no cycling involved and the rock was clean. Not a single problem and to me, it was worth the extra cost.

 

[guidedbyechoes]

I think it really depends on the area. I would go dry over anything else because most of the lfs in my area charge 8.99 a pound for aptasia infested rock. When I bought my last rock it was from craigslist and it is just loaded with nutrients. I had a serious battle with hair algae after a stray aptasia made it's way into my tank and killed 90% of my corals. I'm gonna soak the rock I have for a long time and possible do some diy rocks just to see how they hold up to the real thing.

 

[powdermonkey]

Wow, you dug deep for this thread. But people love to debate this topic.

 

[Ladysaber]

I didn't dig deep. Don't have time with 3 kids. Lol. This actually appeared on the top of my timeline. Odd.

 

[luxauterna]

I agree to use dry rock for the majority of the set up and seed it with a few pieces of live rock.

 

[NanaReefer]

Nothing but dry for my last two builds.

 

[NeverlosT]

Ive done dry rock the last two systems, but when I do it again, the tank will start with 90% dry rock, and 10% some fancy liverock like Tonga rock or something. I just think you need that biodiversity.

 

[Humblefish]

Dry rock = cheaper, pest/disease free, no chemicals/phosphates leaching out

Only real downside is it takes longer to cycle, so you have to be patient.

 

[ReefCartel]

I like the live rock, but it is often overpriced { just my 2 cents} I have a huge rubbermaid sump / horse trough that when I find a good deal on dead live rock, or rock that is covered with pest, algea etc, I buy it, leave it out to bake / dry in the sun, pressure wash it off, and toss it into the bottom of the sump, I add a few small pieces of good live rock from my display to the top of the pile, and in a few months, I have a whole pile of nice live rock, to sell or trade etc. I have close to 1000 pounds that have been soaking for about a two years now, as I sell a few pieces, I add a few more, I have a cheap skimmer that keeps everything in check, I gues to answer the question, I would use both,

Note to self: Dont by live rock from this guy hahah Just kidding ;)

 

[Zacco]

I used live rock on my last build and have been fighting with Bubble Algae and Apitasia ever since. Never again. My recent build is all Dry Reef Saver Rock. 80 pounds in a curing tub for 4 to 6 weeks until it is cured and phosphate free.

 

[Waters]

100% good quality live rock. To me, one of the best parts of starting a marine tank is seeing what shows up in the tank. It is like playing the lottery :-) That being said, I have never had any issues with pests or any other nuisances.

 

[Canitolindo]

I'd say go for mostly dry rock with a couple pieces of live rock from a pest-free established system, allowing the live rock to seed the dry rock. In time, the dry rock will eventually be covered with life just like LR. It's a much cheaper route, and less likely to result in pests making their way into your new setup

this is exactly what I did its the best method I think

 

[Kworker]

I'm all about dry rock.. it just makes perfect sense to me. When buying it you are not paying for water weight, and possible critters that will give you a headache down the road. Than you also get the benefit of playing with a possible scape outside of water since its dry and not getting water everywhere and killing beneficial bacteria at the same time. The biggest to me is controlling what goes into the tank and not having pests. BRS "reef saver" is my go-to choice.

 

[Shep]

Dry rock for me, I love LR but have had so many problems in the past with hitchhikers. Dry rock gets rid of this problem plus its so much cheaper.