Help with final LR choice

[bheron]

Ok, I've read, I've researched, and I've come down to the following two combination choices for my LR purchase
(i'm starting a new, 75G FOWLR tank with 25gal sump. will have some simple inverts too).
1) 90 lbs Fiji
2) 24 lbs of Tonga Branch
OR....
1) 45 lbs of Fiji
2) 24 lbs of Tonga Branch
3) 35 lbs of Lalo
IYO - which should I go with? Is it best to mix it up and "diversify" or stick to 1-2 types?

 

[daniel411]

I personally believe one will find the best results with sticking with a single bio-tope. As in all fish, corals, inverts, etc. from the gulf of mexico, or coast of florida, or hawaii, etc.
Corals may engage in chemical war amongst other species they've never encountered, fish may spread diseases common to one region to fish not from that region, etc.
I've never purchased Lalo rock, only seen it in pictures. I really like fiji and tonga branch!

 

[bheron]

daniel411 - thats intersting to hear. was kind of wondering if mixing wansn't a good idea
watefaller - use ALL fiji!
thanks!

 

[daniel411]

Florida live rock probally won't be "as good" of a biological filter as fiji. IMO, some early aquculture lessons learned was that light porous rock would easily be picked up by currents, shifting sand, etc. Entire "crops" of rocks were lost. So the industry moved to heavier/denser rocks. Which won't (IMO) allow as much surface for bacteria to grow and thrive on.
While far off live rock is shipped dry by plane, many (but not all) of the live critters die off. Having the coast of florida so close, it can be collected, packaged, shipped, at your door with in a day of being out of the ocean. Much greater chance of many critters living. As Waterfaller said though, its prone to bad critters.
As for tonga branch. Its personal, I like its appearance. Only for bridges, and small sections of an aquarium though.

 

[daniel411]

-Besides, they charge by the pound

 

[bheron]

havent heard about that one.
is it smarter to include use some base rock instead of ALL 100% LR? more economical, yes. but overall a good choice?

 

[daniel411]

Originally posted by bheron
havent heard about that one.
is it smarter to include use some base rock instead of ALL 100% LR? more economical, yes. but overall a good choice?
It can become a haven for nusiance algae, or your coraline can spread first and slowly make it live also. Personally I never use base rock, many people do and sucessfully at that.