so many types of LR out there!

[bheron]

I’m setting up a new 75g tank and would like to plan my LR setup. I’m seeing so many different types and sizes of LR out there.
All of your seasoned pros out there – if you had to start from scratch, what would you do as far as
1) what type of LR?
2) What size?
3) Would you select all one type or mix them?
By type, I mean, what do you know about the following
tonga
fiji
show
malanesian
lalo
nambu
By size, I’m seeing some called “show” size, which appears to mean “larger” rock?
Should I do a combination of show size on the bottom for my base rock?
opinions? thoughts?

 

[justchillin]

unless $ is not in issue for you i would say no. definatly don't use "show" rock for the base of your lr!
as far as mixing the differnt kinds of lr that can be benificial, but isn't necessary...by combining the differnt kinds, aside from getting a different look, your going to get various bacteria and other little critters (assuming they are from different sources)...
but unless you really like the look of the different lr i would just go for some figi. it's what i used in my 75 because it's porus, fairly light weight, and i like the way it looks....
i have a total of about 85-90 lbs in mine (50 lr / 40 base/reef rock)...to me it's a waste to put lr on the bottom because it's just gonna be covered up by sand...and a little above the sand will become "live" after a while anyway.
as far as size i would just order a box of lr off the internet (from here for example!)...and for base rock just check your lfs...
hth

 

[asbury030]

i have a question also i want to stack my tank with lr what would be some good lr on the bottom so when i stack it it wont tumble over?

 

[daniel411]

You can always use epoxy to hold the rocks together.

 

[kelkoolaid]

Since no one metioned nambu thought i would share my experience with it. It is lighter and more branched out that my fiji, I got 45# of each the fiji had 7 nice size piece's the nambu box was destroyed by FedEx but still got more rock, alot of the branches were broken, but seemed like a lot more rock and made tons of caves, stacked really nice
fiji shown

 

[kelkoolaid]

nambu

 

[asbury030]

you can really use epoxy for the lr and it wont mess up the lr?

 

[fender]

Originally posted by Asbury030
you can really use epoxy for the lr and it wont mess up the lr?
Not just any epoxy. Most online stores and LFS have epoxy sticks you can use for this.
I used cable ties. It works and isn't that noticable.

 

[bheron]

thanks for the feedback!
FYI - on the base, I have built a shelf of eggcrate supported by 2inch PVC coulplings for the base of my LR.
thanks!

 

[asbury030]

is epoxy noticable?

 

[fender]

It is white or grey after it sets depending on the type.
Not too noticable, but depends on how you use it.

 

[asbury030]

oh ok what kind would u recommend?

 

[fender]

I think Aquastik is what it's called.

 

[moonrs]

I got some epoxy called Holdfast. I used it to try and attach a piece of coral to the rock. It didn't work very well. I'm not sure I used it right. Does anyone have experience with this particular product? The directions say that it's for bonding to glass or other smooth surfaces (unfortunately, I didn't notice this before I bought it). My LFS told me it would work on my live rock, underwater. So far, since it didn't work with the coral, I haven't tried again.