There is some merit to what they say, if you shipped rock in this heat there will be more death from it, and due to the fact that the "standard" shipping practice is to ship lr covered only by wet newspaper. So, you can derive that the wet newspaper will quickly get from wet to dry and so will our friends on the rock itself. I guess overnight is the only way I'd consider getting lr at this point, but I must balance that with...have you seen any good lr in your lfs? if so, then there's your answer...I can garauntee that's how there's was shipped so you can expect the rock in the same state when it arrives. I'd be a little interested in his offer for some handpicked florida lr, just for the opportunity that an experienced hobbyist would be selecting it like he would for himself(if he's that kinda guy) and get the best pieces. The main difference in Florida and Fiji lr is the color...usually Florida is covered with pink/purple/red corraline algae, and Fiji rock is typically not as covered but may have different colored corraline, while having the same amount of goodies on them.
The other benefit is the Fiji doesn't command the price that the Florida rock does...I'm going to venture a probly inaccurate example of Fiji-$4/lb. and Florida $6/lb. so you could also gauge your budget with that. I've setup a couple tanks using Fiji to stack on so the more expensive stuff is on top...and if you water conditions are kept outstanding and calcium levels up, the corraline from the florida will spread to the fiji in just a few months. Hope this helps! wish I had the space for another tank your size! hehe, have fun, Dave
[ August 06, 2001: Message edited by: OceanBlue ]
