Question about Live Rock and Coral

[spud]

I had a fresh water tank several years and for the past 4 years it has been setting empty. I am wanting to get back into the hobby and I would like to go with a salt water tank this time. I have been reading this site for about a week and it is wonderful. My first question is what is the difference between live rock and coral. Does live rock have to have the special lights of a reef tank. Thanks in advance for your answers.
Thanks
Spud

 

[mr . salty]

Although live rock doesn't require special lighting,,,It sure helps with the growth of coraline algae that we all love...
The diference between rock and coral depends on what kind of coral you are talking about...Live coral or dead coral.
Dead coral is mainly used for decoration,and can be a pain in the a** to keep clean and white...
Live coral is a totally diferent thing,,It is actually a LIVE ANIMAL.They require special tank conditions including pristene water quality,,,Proper current,,special food,,and most of all Powerfull lighting...

 

[spud]

Thank you for the information. That helps me clarify things. What kinds of organisms grow on the live rocks. Are they colorful? I would like to have a very colorful tank and I think the live rocks will help. Thanks again
Spud

 

[mr . salty]

Most of the coraline algae is purple,but I also have red green and pink...Depending on the quality of rock you buy,you may also have some feather dusters,sponges,and quite possibly some live corals.
Another thing to consider is what fish you are going toput in with this rock..Some fish,like butterfly's will pickit absolutly clean.So picking your fish carefully is also a factor...

 

[sistrmary]

And orange! (coraline that is ) Live rock is my very favorite thing about saltwater. I mean, the fish are cool, and corals are really neat...but they usually look the same. Live rock changes so much, and things that you've never even heard of or seen grow out at the strangest times. I have this beautiful infestation of bright yellow sponge that absolutely fascinates me. And feather dusters...my rock and sandbed are covered with them...it's neat to watch it all come together,

 

[spud]

Thanks for all of you help. I now know a little more about live Rock. When I set my tank back up I am definitely going to have live rock in it. I have been looking and I see a lot of Fiji LR. Is that the best kind or are there other kinds that are better. Thanks again for all of you help. This board is awesome.
Thanks
Spud

 

[mr . salty]

Fiji is good,and probably the most popular live rock out there,but I also like tonga shelf rock,and branch rock...The main thing to look for is that it is properly cured,and it is very pourous with lot's of nooks and crannies..There is some rock out there that is very heavy and dense,so you end up paying more for it because it weighs a ton.Plus it's not very good rock because it's not pourous(sponge like).
This is why it is sometimes better to buy your rock from a LFS instead of online.You get to hand pick the pieces you buy,and minimaltime out of water means the liklyhood of dieoff causing ammo spikes is minimal...

 

[spud]

Since I will be starting a new tank should I put the LR in at the start of the cycle or should I wait and add it once the tank is finished cycling. Thanks again for all of the information.
Thanks
Spud

 

[mightyoxjuice]

I would suggest that you put the live rock in right away especially if you are using uncured live rock. Otherwise you will have another cycle. Though it will not take as long to cycle again. Another thought that rock takes up volume in your tank. Depending on how much rock that you use it will reduce the number of gallons of water that are in the tank. From what I have seen it is recommended that you have 1-1 1/2 pounds of rock per gallon.