Lace rock and live rock

[vikingdad]

I am starting a 55 gallon FOWLR tank and I am having a problem. The only live rock I can find in my area is running about 9.00lbs and the cheapest base rock is 5.00lbs. I need about 60lbs so thats alot of money. I was wondering if I put 50lbs of lace rock and 10lbs or more of live rock would the lace rock ever become some what live or am I going to need to cash in my 401k to buy live rock? Any suggestions on what to do what be nice thanks.
Brian

 

[vikingdad]

One more thing can I mix live sand and another cheaper type of sand. Let me know if im wrong but I want about 5" for a sand bed right and thats alot of money I would rather save if possible!!

 

[jerthunter]

One thing you might want to consider is looking online on a popular auction site and searching for base rock. There are people out there that sell fairly nice base rock much cheaper then $5 a pound, even shipped... And over time the life from the live rock will spread to the base rock...

 

[vikingdad]

Originally Posted by Jerthunter
One thing you might want to consider is looking online on a popular auction site and searching for base rock. There are people out there that sell fairly nice base rock much cheaper then $5 a pound, even shipped... And over time the life from the live rock will spread to the base rock...

Thats why I asked about the lace rock I read you can use it and I found some in town (no shipping) and it's cheap!! So would the live rock spread to it or is it not the right kinda rock for that?

 

[jerthunter]

Originally Posted by vikingdad
Thats why I asked about the lace rock I read you can use it and I found some in town (no shipping) and it's cheap!! So would the live rock spread to it or is it not the right kinda rock for that?
I put some lace rock in my tank and it is hard to tell where it is now. The only problem I can think of with lace rock is that it is very dense and heavy but yeah it works....

 

[birdy]

Lace rock will work but I would try to do an even amount of both, Lace rock doesn't have some of the same ablities as LR so you don't want more lace rock than LR.

 

[sunburnt]

For sand, you can go to Home Depot and buy "Pulverized Limestone" by PAVESTONE for about $5 per 50 lb bag. It passes the vinegar fizz test and will save you a ton of money.
Good luck

 

[vikingdad]

Thanks for the help!! So I'm going with a mix of LR and lace and LS and crushed limestone. Unless told otherwise ( so if im wasting my money let me know now) you people have been a great help thanks very much !!!!!