Live Rock

[profion]

I have a question for you guys about live rock. I live in Galveston, Texas and I was wondering if the sand and rock's on the beach are basicly the same as live rock and live sand that you find in high priced fs? I really have a problem with finding live rock and live sand, my lfs usually has a limited amount and they charge like 7 bucks a pound for LR, and they dont even sell live sand.
I sure would appreciate anyone's help.

 

[stupid_naso]

I'm quite new at these, but as far as I know the live sand and live rock on the beach are the same. But one thing that you need to be aware of is that the sand on the beach is not clean. Imagine how many people have stepped on that sand? You don't want that kind of sand in your aquarium. If you want good live sand you need to get it in the middle of the sea miles away from the beach. I'm not quite sure about the live rock though. I think it's the same thing, you'll probably want rocks from the bottom of the sea, somewhere.

 

[y2says]

Try getting l/r and l/s on the internet. I'm sure you'll find prices a lot cheaper than $7/lb. I wouldn't get anything from the beach since it could be polluted or contaminated.

 

[lancer]

I wouldn't worry about people walking on the sand so much as I would the fact that the sand there is very likely contaminated with chemicals from boats and dumping. I have swam there and would not put that sand in my neighbors kids sandbox (okay I might if he throws one more frizbee on my roof). This site sells LR for around $4-$5/lb. if you buy a box. I have seen other sites sell it for as low as $2.19/lb. Good luck, Lancer

 

[profion]

Actually I just now thought about that
lots of oil spills and chemical spills do happen around here. I actually bought 15 pounds today which I thought was crazy but I might as well get over it, the live rock she sold me was 6.99 but she said she had cultured rock that was 8.99, I didnt really see a diffrence in the two so I got the reg..
Would it have been better if I got the cultured instead?

 

[gailen]

DO NOT use the stuff from Galveston. Galveston has so many chemicals you will permanantly contaminate your tank. I know someone that tried just adding a fish from galveston bay and had major problems. Stick with the stuff from LFS or online. I get cured live rock in Houston for 4.99 / pound so it may be worth a trip if you do not want to order online.
Good luck,
Gailen