live rock

[infalable]

I am about to place my order for live rock. I will purchase the 50 lbs. My question, especially for those who have recently purchased lr, how large are the pieces. I will want mostly large pieces, but others as well. Also, in the 50 lb lot, about how many pieces can I expect. I know the shipments vary, but please let me know what you experienced. Thanks to all.

 

[cincyreefer]

I have ordered live rock a whole bunch... (for lfs store) and i can say that you never know what to expect. I have gotten 5 rocks that are about 50 lbs and i have seen as many as 15 rocks in a 50 lb box. Just make sure that you give the rock a REAL long freshwater dip if you are not going to cure it before putting it in your tank.

 

[stacyt]

Usually in most boxes it 2-3 larger peices, then a mix of medium to small. 50 lbs. of LR really isn't very much. Also if your adding to an established tank be sure to cure the LR before adding it to the tank.

 

[infalable]

Thanks, was the quality what you expected?

 

[phil1964]

Where do you plan to order from?
I ordered from here once got 11 smaller pieces for 50 pounds.
Some were fist sized.

 

[infalable]

Hey Phil. I was thinking of odering from SWF. Were you a bit disaapointed with the size? I definitely need some large pieces.

 

[phil1964]

It is the only place I ever ordered from online.
Looked good but not as good as what I got from my LFS.
Did not matter because in 2 monthe it was covered but they were smaller than what I had so maybe that is why I was not satisfied.
Unfortunately my LFS is dry right now and I am going to order online again. I am planing on some marshall island rock but I do not see any on SWF.com
I did find on guy who said if you are not satisfied you can send the rock back! Hmmmm

 

[infalable]

Thanks Phil. I will prob do a combination of both. FYI - I e-mailed SWf and they said I could request certain sized pieces. I doubt that they would guaratee anything, but it might help.

 

[crazy8]

I ordered my rock from another site and was pleasantly surprised. The site said pieces ranged from 3 to 11 inches long. Well, I definitely had a couple of the longer sized pieces and they are just measuring the length because it had a dogleg on 1 piece that worked well for building a tunnel. My tank was not established so I didn't rinse or anything, just stuck it right in the tank. 1 thing I did do is call in my order and mention I wanted some larger pieces (who knows if that really helped, but I am thinking of placing another order) I think I want to go ahead and add more before my tank finishes cycling. Might as well get all the waiting out of the way up front. Would be a lot worse to have the rock kill off your fish later.

 

[infalable]

Hey Crazy8. That sounds like a good idea. I hope to put in a complete amount of lr from the beginning. A little preplanning can go a long way.

 

[sinner's girl]

I was happy with the quality of lr, but we ordered about two years ago. mostly small-medium pieces is what we got. I don't really remember but there aren't many large pieces in our tanks. (I like small better).
I alwaysthought it was suface space you wanted, not actually size...so small pieces are better than large ones?

 

[infalable]

I agree with the surface space. I want a few large pices more as a base and for stability. Then others to round out the design. My tank is only 45 gal, so I obviously cant get all large pieces. My only real concern is that I dont want all small pieces. Since this is my first purchase I want to start off right. But I am sure all will be well.

 

[dopey33]

i purchased mine from a fish store, i thought about doing it online but im glad i went in i was able to pick out rocks i liked and instead of getting one type of rock i got a couple different types of lr.
by going into the store i found some really cool rocks of all sizes and was able to really do what i wanted with my rock.
im a newbie but i did my research found a store i felt comfortable buying from and that has made all the differance!

 

[infalable]

i just wish the lfs werent so expensive. The price of SWF, and probaly others as well, are half price.

 

[bradttu]

Just to give you an idea, this is about 40 lbs in my 55 gallon the first night. It's not much.

I have since added about 50 more lbs. This is about 90 or so lbs.

 

[dopey33]

the price of the lrs did seem expensive, thats why i opted for the crushed coral! but im only doing a small fish tank...
Like i siad im a newbie but the best advice i can give is to find a store you like and feel comfortable with...
This message board and buying online is great but a good store is probably a better idea you can actually take a sample in and have an expert examine it. Mine tests my water for free and they'll even come out and examine/help set up the tank for you if you need help. You cant beat that kind of service!

 

[timsedwards]

lol you guys think lr is expensive in the states....lol, my goodness you should see the price of it here in England!

 

[infalable]

BradTTU - Thanks. That helped. I have a 45 gal, so they are close in size. I will order on line and pick a few choice pieces from lfs. Thanks for posting those pics.

 

[bradttu]

Originally posted by Infalable
i just wish the lfs werent so expensive. The price of SWF, and probaly others as well, are half price.
I get my LR for $1.50 a pound.
If you want to see more pics of my tank, click here

 

[tlk]

i have purchased LR from a different on-line group (even though I like this site better [sheepish grin]) I called them on the phone, told them what I wanted and got exactly that. I was very pleased.