Does LR / LS have to come from tropical climates?

[integral9]

I have a new tank coming and I'm trying to put together it's contents and have a few questions.
Can I get sand from say, the Potomac River and use it? It's tidal where I live so it's salty (brackish) if not a bit dirty. Would it be better to get it from the Chesapeake Bay? That's pretty easy too. Or does the sand have to come from a tropical region like Florida? Same questions for live rock.
The tank I've getting is 4'x2'x2' est. It was a freebie from a friend of a friend, etc. I don't know the gal, but I suspect 80+. I will be migrating my 35g to it once it's ready, but I will need a whole lot of stuff for the new tank before I can do that.

 

[laddy]

Just remember, the area you are most trying to recreate in a SW tank is around the Indo-Pacific (most likely), there are no short cuts.

 

[integral9]

True. But it's just rock and sand. Do the fish really know the difference between rock from one corner of the world vs. another? The LFS near me uses PVC piping in their "for sale" tanks and the fish seem ok with it. I wouldn't bring that up except they actually seem to care about the fish in their store compared to others in my area.

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by Integral9
True. But it's just rock and sand. Do the fish really know the difference between rock from one corner of the world vs. another? The LFS near me uses PVC piping in their "for sale" tanks and the fish seem ok with it. I wouldn't bring that up except they actually seem to care about the fish in their store compared to others in my area.

YES.
There is a huge difference.
For one, that rock is highly unlikely to be carbonate rock, so its function as LR is limited. It is not porous, it is not natural to a reef. Much of it is granite or similar, which could in theory introduce mineral impurities into the tank.
Nearly all of the animals would die off due to temperature differences.
If you want to use this rock, then set up a tank for the animals found in this area. If you want to keep indo pacific tropical fish, then keep them with carbonate rocks.
PVC piping is normal in LFS and hospital systems as it is easily bleached, cleaned and sterilized. It is not in any way comparable to what you are trying to really achieve long term in your tank.

 

[wilsonreef]

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that the sand and live rock your asking about is as you stated "dirty". Keep in mind that the closer to a heavily populated land mass there is cause for more pollutants in the water which will be in the sand and rock your wanting to use. Although not perfect, sand and rock from the ocean is for the most part taken from places where these pollutants aren't near as much a problem. Again, the fish and corals your wanting to put into these tanks aren't "brackish" inhabitants, they are use to some pretty good water. I think the sand and rock your wanting to use will have too many problems associated with them for the delicate things your wanting to put into the tank. JMO though.

 

[integral9]

Thanks for the input guys. I won't use the materials from this area. Also sounds like I am going to have to go down to Ft. Lauderdale and pick it out myself so I get porous rocks. Paying $8 / lb. is outrageous.
What is a good kind of base rock? Just any kind of Igneous / porous rock?

 

[ophiura]

Limestone is what you want.
You will find unless buying online that 6-8$ a pound is a customary rate for live rock unless you get it from someone breaking down their tank (check local reef clubs). It is illegal in at least parts of Florida if not all Florida to collect rock on your own. All in all, this is not a cheap hobby. THe cheapest thing to do in this case is to make your own live rock (see DIY forum).