Caribbean Live Rock

[jcastonguay6]

Any one have any thoughts on the pro and or cons of using Caribbean Live Rock for a new tank set up?

 

[Anonymous]

Pros, lots of neat corals can hitchhike that are not normally for sale, so you can get unusual stuff.

Cons, you will probably get a mantis shrimp, so be prepared to catch him!

 

[jcastonguay6]

Thanks Laura,
I was on vacation all last week so I didn't get a chance to read your reply right away. Do you think its wise to try and simply catch the possible invaders or should I simply go with a fiji premium, tonga, etc???

 

[wade1]

You play the odds no matter where the rock comes from concerning crabs and mantis. Florida rock is likely to have more of them, only because its spent less time in transit or dry. Carribean rock is heavier (much more dense) with less pore space, so you get less space filler per pound. Other than that, its good stuff either way. I have heard some people complaining about the oysters that can hike in on it though...

Wade

 

[jcastonguay6]

Thanks Wade,
This is my second reef but its my first attempt with the proper equipment. I finally have the halides and pc lighting along with an appropriate sump etc. In my last reef I had purchased 75 lbs of LR from a local shop that they received from a customer that was getting out of the hobby so it was cured for a few years in a local tank before it got to me. Needless to say I had few if any invert hitchhikers. Any recommendations on a pre-emptive plan for eliminating any unwanted inhabitants. I have heard that if you were to "dip" the rocks in an RO bucket of water the shrimp and crabs my run for dear life, any thoughts as to this being a good / bad idea???

 

[Bleeding Blue]

Bad idea. You would send most of the good stuff running too. Besides, I think that you will find the majority of hitchhikers fun and harmless. Just my opinion.

mIKE