Starting over with live rock

[TBSB2019]

I used their sand and rocks as an add on to my tank. After getting the sand, I wish I would have used it for the entire tank. Highly recommend them.

 

[schooncw]

I have not read all of the comments but I’ve been at this for many years and was in the industry for a number of them.
The only way I have ever started a system is with “real” live rock and there is a great thread somewhere here on the benefits. To me, live rock is the most essential ingredient of a system

 

[gbroadbridge]

Would starting over with live rock be a smart strategy? If you were able would you do it? My system is coming up on six months old. It was started with dry calcium reactor media as substrate and about 95% dry Marco rock. I did purchase a few pieces of some good live rock from an lfs. Everything was going great but over the past 2-3 months maybe the algae battle has been on going. Mind you, it’s a very mild battle, nothing compared to some of the stuff I’ve seen, thankfully. Currently I have GHA and Dino’s, again. Question is, I live in central Florida and close to TBS, the majority of the rock in my tank still has no corals attached to it so could easily be swapped out. Would it be a clutch time to remove what I have and somewhat “start over” with rock from TBS? Or am I far enough along in the process to just ride this out. The tank is growing coralline and is moving through the process well, but man I hate algae

I think that once a tank has been running for 6 months it doesn't matter either way.

If you've added coral you already added to the biome as you would have initially with live rock.

All tanks get lots of Algae and other uglies until they're about 12 months old, it's just part of the experience to enjoy.

Only reason I would change is for aesthetics.