This batch of rock was scrubbed of mostly everything to try and minimize any pests and the unwanteds, just the wanted good bacteria left.
Real live rock. Our rock is packaged and shipped in our tanks in less than 24 hours. The price to do this goes up significantly due to the Per Kilo cargo cost, but this ensures the best quality rock. That being said, we do not pass that cost on to our customers and try and keep the rock reasonably priced.
This is a sampling of the 1000 pounds that arrived late December
The Importance of Live Rock in Coral Reef Aquariums
Live rock is a cornerstone of successful coral reef aquariums, offering a multitude of benefits that contribute to a thriving and balanced ecosystem. Unlike dry rock, which is simply inert material, live rock is teeming with beneficial bacteria, invertebrates, and other microorganisms that play crucial roles in maintaining water quality and supporting coral health.
1. Biodiversity and Biological Filtration: Live rock introduces a diverse array of life forms into the aquarium, creating a more natural and stable environment. The bacteria and other microorganisms residing in live rock play a vital role in biological filtration, breaking down harmful substances like ammonia and nitrite into less toxic forms. This natural filtration process helps maintain optimal water quality, which is essential for the health and growth of corals and other invertebrates.
2. Nutrient Cycling and Coral Nutrition: The diverse inhabitants of live rock contribute to nutrient cycling within the aquarium, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy environment. Many of the organisms living in live rock also provide a natural food source for corals and other filter-feeding invertebrates, supplementing their diet and promoting overall health.
3. Enhanced Aesthetics and Naturalism: Live rock adds a touch of natural beauty and realism to the aquarium, creating a more visually appealing and engaging display. The diverse shapes, textures, and colors of live rock can be used to create stunning aquascapes that mimic the natural coral reef environment
.4. Head Start and Accelerated Cycling: Using live rock in a new aquarium can help accelerate the cycling process, as it already contains established populations of beneficial bacteria. This can significantly reduce the time it takes for the aquarium to become stable and ready for the introduction of corals and other sensitive organisms.
5. Refuge and Habitat: Live rock provides a natural refuge and habitat for a variety of beneficial organisms, including copepods, amphipods, and other small invertebrates. These organisms play important roles in the aquarium ecosystem, helping to control algae, consume detritus, and provide a natural food source for other inhabitants. Live rock is a valuable asset for any coral reef aquarium, offering a range of benefits that contribute to a healthy, balanced, and visually appealing ecosystem. Its ability to provide biological filtration, nutrient cycling, and a natural food source makes it an essential component for supporting the health and growth of corals and other invertebrates. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal and naturalism of live rock enhance the overall beauty and realism of the aquarium, creating a captivating display that mimics the natural coral reef environment.
