If you do craigslist, dip the rock in some dechlorinated freshwater to get all the potential hitchhikers to drop out. It will kill off some of the BB, but well worth it.
johnny roastbeef;5017418; said:It's misleading when Marco Rocks says that their rocks are pre-cured. Its an oxymoron. Their rock doesnt need curing because its not live. Curing is the process of allowing all the of dead and dying organisms to decompose completely thereby preventing high ammonia levels in your tank. Whether you choose live rock or dry rock is a personal preference, but you do need rock for biofiltration. Consider live rock to be the equivalent of the bio media in your fresh water system. If you go with dry rock, you will still need a source of bacteria, and should seed your system with a piece or two of live rock from an established system.
Most aquarists choose to purchase live rock because its covered with beneficial hitchhikers like tiny starfish, worms, snails and of course coralline algae. These animals wont appear in your tank otherwise. Also, using live rock will give your aquarium a more natural appearance right from the start.
Colonized rock is colonized rock. Things like its original source, what the tank has been treated with, and potential pest are all things to be considered. But I would count LR from petco out. Actually, i think they were doing 44 lbs of fiji online for like 97 bucks, which compared to an LFS is really good.TMartinez;5021296; said:what about LR from places like Petco? Crap? I've bought all mine from the LFS but at 7.99/lb it adds up. I'd like a cheaper alternative
Are we talking about the crap they sell in stores? Or the stuff the ship out when you order online? They crap they have in stores is awful, looks like nothing more then diatom covered concrete.FLESHY;5022948; said:Petco LR is terrible. I wouldnt use it for dry baserock.