Which Rock Would You Use?

[rainmkr07]

I am starting up a brand new 40g breeder SPS tank. I was originally planning on getting 50# of marcorocks key largo dry rock, but realize there are similar choices from reefcleaners and bulkreefsupply. Plus marco has a 5lb live fiji rock combo as well (which would be perfect to seed the dry rock).

1. Which would you choose/recommend for a new tank?
2. I have read online that some dry rock can cause algae blooms/hair algae in tanks, which live rock doesn't, is that true?
3. I have also read that dry rock in a home aquarium after many years won't have the living organisms that live rock will have on day 1 from decades in the ocean. Does that make live rock worth the extra money alone?
4. I put option #3 below because I think pukani might be my favorite looking rock.

Option #1 - Marcorocks, 50# key largo dry rock - $109:
http://www.marcorocks.com/50poundbox...inentalus.aspx

Option #2 - Reefcleaners, 50# florida reef dry rock - $105:
http://reefcleaners.org/index.php?pa...mart&Itemid=34

Option #3 - Bulkreefsupply, 50# pukani dry rock - $160:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...-eco-rock.html

Option #4 - Marcorocks, 50# dry rock/5# live fiji combo - $132:
http://www.marcorocks.com/5lbs50lbsl...rockcombo.aspx

[aandfsoccr04]

#3 very porous and nice rock.

[ludiNano]

I really like Marco rocks love the rock and the service. I do have a biased opinion since I haven't tried the others. Also the rock I got from them was the old signature rock that is no longer available. But I have read of many people loving the Florida rock and I'm sure they'll chime in.

[DaKineReef]

I just ordered 100llbs for my new setup wanted to start from scratch and got in on the memorial day discount at Macro rocks. Less than $2 a pound delivered to my door. Will let you know how I like it.

Ike

[PokerReefer]

I purchased Marco rock (50#) about a year and a half ago for a build I was planning. Well I had put it off for a year and then went another direction. When I finally set up my current tank I used the Marco.

I personally just couldn't get a scape going that I liked. So I searched for what else was out there and stumbled onto the Pukani. I ordered it as soon as it was in stock (50#).

And now my Marco sits in my sump. The pukani is beautiful. I have had some hair algae issues though. I pressure washed it thoroughly In time it will clear up. Worth it IMO. Gl with your decision.

Another thing is that I only ended up using maybe 35-40 ponds of the Pukani. Large pourus pieces. And light.

[acasp4]

the more porous the better

[sponger0]

Im more partial to live rock. Granted you can get hitch hikers but most can be easily resolved in my experience

[MattinIdaho]

I love the Pukani!! I ordered 125# for my 120, received 145# and could only get 100# in my tank and sump and they are pretty much stuffed full. It goes a looooong way.

[jeffm59]

Number 3 - light porous and you get alot more rock for the same weight

[rainmkr07]

How much of option #3 would you get for a 40g breeder?

I was planning on 50#? Or would 40# be plenty?

[MattyO]

I would only order 25# of the pukani for a 40 breeder. I got here they do send extra but I ordered 50# for my 72 BF and I have more then I need.

[MattinIdaho]

Originally Posted by MattyO

I would only order 25# of the pukani for a 40 breeder.

I agree this would be plenty. I'm anal though so I would order 40# and have 10-15 left over. This would also let you cherry pick through to get the best 25-30# of cool pieces. I can't imagine stuffing 50# in a 40 with that stuff.
It's pretty rock out of the box but stunning when you get it set up imo. I also shaped mine with holes and tunnels with a hammer and a screwdriver so that was cool to be able to do that.
Oh and don't ask for big pieces.lol Big pieces to BRS are 30#rs.