Do I Need liive Rock???

[makofury]

I don't have any live rock in my tank but I have live sand, do species like angels, tangs, and butterflies need live rock to graze on? Or are there supplements available? I was really set on getting either a flame angel or coral beauty, but I keep reading posts about how they may need live rock. Is this true? Thanks.
MakoFury

 

[gobylover]

I don't see that it is a dire need to have lr,but angels,tangs and butterflies do like to graze on them.They will also pick at algea on your tank.If you are getting a Butterfly,don't get any corals because as adults they will eat them.Feed them a lot of greens like seaweed,try romaine lettuce or broccoli.There are also frozen cubes called emerald entree.As long as they are eating ok,no need to worry.They won't starve to death without rock.hth

 

[puff(er) daddy]

LR gives the tank a natural look to it, plus you want to provide your fish with a HOME like setting or close to it as you can get so they can adjust without any stress.

 

[trigahappynigerog]

put some live rock your fish will love it!

 

[topfish]

If you do get lr, which is what I would do, make sure it is cured, before buying it, smell it. If it has a funcky smell its uncured. If you add uncured lr, you will have another cycle. Your nitrites and ammonia would go off the chart. It happened to me, and my fish luckily didn't die.

 

[mr . salty]

I would say YES,your fish do need rock...This rock,if stacked properly,gives your fish small holes and caves that they need to hide and sleep in...Plus the added biological filteration it provides is VREY benafitial to your tanks long term stability.

 

[nasukan]

Absolutley, without a doubt, yes. Live rock performs many functions. The fishes natural enviroment is built on live rock. It provides shelter and gives your fish the ability to weave in and out of holes. Grazing is also an asset of live rock. A marine aquarium is usually sought after because of it's beauty, and live rock is a staple of a good marine aquarium. The most important reason to get as much live rock as you can afford is it houses bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrites, which can lead to less frequent water changes. Some web sites have 25 lbs for $129 with free shipping.