advantages and disadvantages of live rock

[khilgers]

I'm still pretty new to saltwater but I currently have a 55 gallon with 2 domino damsels a yellowtail damsel and picasso trigger and I want to change around the tank a bit. I have crushed coral as my substrate and grotto rock for some caves and what not. I really would like to add some live rock and corals but can I with the setup I have and the fish I have. Also I know that the live rock will help with filtration but what are some of the bad things about live rock? Difficult to take care of, algae buildup or anything like that. thanks...

 

[tsx]

Properly cured liverock will make the hobby more enjoyable.
My tank was alot easier to maintain once I introduced live rock (8 years ago) not to mention better looking. I guess the biggest drawback might be a unwanted guest such as a mantis shrimp hiding in the rock.

 

[khilgers]

from what i've heard when you introduce live rock you begin to have a lot of algae growth. Is this true with all live rock or just certain kinds. Keep in mind I'm still pretty new to this saltwater thing, i learn more and more everyday.

 

[tsx]

Learning is part of the fun with this hobby isn't it? Way back when I first bought live rock I cured it in a rubbermaid 50 gal container with a hang on skimmer and a powerhead.
I transfered it to my main tank and it's looked pretty good since.
Make sure you do prudent water changes; run a decent skimmer ( I have a Aqua C urchin in my sump) and you shouldn't have a hair algea problem.
Macro algea on the other hand can be a pretty addition. I did have a bloom of Halemeda one time. But it was easy to control.
If you don't like the good algae then I would suggest a nice yellow tang. He should be able to hold his own with your other fish and he will love the algea.:yes:

 

[lion_crazz]

If you want good tank conditions, get live rock. Live rock absorbs nitrates, ammonia, nitrites. It will keep the tank conditions at a minimum, and will keep your fish happy. The only algae growth that live rock will promote is coraline algae. However, this is a very beautiful form of algae. Usually it's a really nice purple color, and most aquarists want it in their tank for how nice it is.
I can't think of any negatives of live rock. I currently have 50 lbs. of live rock in my tank and I just bought 20 lbs. today and am in the process of curing it. I am only adding more to help the current rock control tank levels.

 

[innsmouth]

Corals and triggers usually don't mix all that well.

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally posted by Innsmouth
Corals and triggers usually don't mix all that well.
Yup. Good observation. I didn't even see that in his post or I would have said that as well.

 

[ratpack]

Originally posted by lion_crazz
If you want good tank conditions, get live rock. Live rock absorbs nitrates, ammonia, nitrites. It will keep the tank conditions at a minimum, and will keep your fish happy. The only algae growth that live rock will promote is coraline algae. However, this is a very beautiful form of algae. Usually it's a really nice purple color, and most aquarists want it in their tank for how nice it is.
I can't think of any negatives of live rock. I currently have 50 lbs. of live rock in my tank and I just bought 20 lbs. today and am in the process of curing it. I am only adding more to help the current rock control tank levels.
WORD. it is very true. since i got my LR all my water parameter are "perfect" and the fish in the tank are more happier than ever :jumping: :joy:

 

[aidos]

the only negative of LR i can think of is introducing LR that has not been cured into an estblished tank may/will cause a mini cylce and that in turn could kill ur tank mates. just make sure it is all fully cured and u can do this at home
"Way back when I first bought live rock I cured it in a rubbermaid 50 gal container with a hang on skimmer and a powerhead. " TSX
never take ur LFS word on cured LR, or u may get stung.