I found some rock called Florida field stone. Is this safe to use as base rock. Its only like 20 cents a pound which is way cheaper then 3-4 dollars a pound at the fish store.
Base rock for salt water.
- Thread starter fitzpoppa
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Yes and no. Yes in that it started life as coral and/or coquina. It normally has shells and fossils in it. Mainly it is composed of multiple crystaline forms of calcium carbonate, typically from coral, shells, and plankton. The only reason not to is that it typically contains phosphorous/phosphates in higher levels than ocean soaked rock.
Most farmed live rock starts out as mined coral deposits. The main quaries are Ocala, Miami, and The Bahamas. The rock spends one to three years in the Gulf of Mexico or Florida Bay where it gives off its phosphorous/phosphates. You can do the same with a "rock cooking" procedure. Basically to do that, you keep it in salt water (marine salt) without light and let bacteria consume the organics and phosphates.
Most farmed live rock starts out as mined coral deposits. The main quaries are Ocala, Miami, and The Bahamas. The rock spends one to three years in the Gulf of Mexico or Florida Bay where it gives off its phosphorous/phosphates. You can do the same with a "rock cooking" procedure. Basically to do that, you keep it in salt water (marine salt) without light and let bacteria consume the organics and phosphates.
By the way, you can collect some free coquina around the edges and islands of the Indian and Banana Rivers. They get pissy if it is wet and has stuff growing on it. Dry stuff makes good base rock because it is super porous. It will eventually become live rock and doesn't look at all bad.
Out around the islands, you'll find a lot that is ready to go. There is also plenty along the banks but usually having a boat or canoe will make it easier to get to.
Cooking rock takes a long time. Weeks if it is already live, months if it has to cycle.
Cooking rock takes a long time. Weeks if it is already live, months if it has to cycle.