LFS Live Rock Prices

Pandora · 01/31/2006, 05:19 PM

They're obviously going up, but some of it is getting out of hand, which is why many are turning to online sources or buying it secondhand nowadays. Just curious how much newbies are seeing it sold for at their LFS (Local Fish Store). Do NOT include how much you have seen private hobbyists and online dealers charge, brick and mortar only. You can select more than one option if there is more than one LFS close to you.

If you are in the >$10/lb category, please post where you are! I know Canada & overseas, this is where it's at.

ant276 · 01/31/2006, 05:46 PM

Delray Beach - South Florida. 8-9 for me. By the time I need rock again I'm sure it'll be more. It's a lot cheaper for the rubble though. ~5

Tony

cato · 01/31/2006, 05:52 PM

Depends what he has from time to time. Pretty much $8-$10/lb depending on quanity you buy. I'm finding that my LFS is pretty much overpriced on almost everything though. Bought a 200g bucket Oceanic salt for $80 then saw it at DFS for $39/bucket

and only $5 S&H so I ordered 2 due here Fri.

Clayman · 01/31/2006, 05:57 PM

Here in Canada it ranges in our city from $8 to $10 CAD for premium rock.( Which I think is not too bad, SOME is really nice stuff ) I got mine for 7$ because I got before my LFS had put it in his tanks. ( Also got first dibbs on the good stuff )

Paintbug · 01/31/2006, 05:58 PM

here its $8 per lb. and a slight discount for the more you buy if you get 30+lbs its $6 per lb. but their LR is like wet base rock. with very little coralline, and other life on it.

the other LFS is $5-$6 per lb. depending on how much you get, i think. i whish i knew about them before hand!!

davidcalgary29 · 01/31/2006, 06:13 PM

Local LFS prices range from $5.99 (cyano covered coral rubble -- who buys this?) to $10.49 for "Tonga" LR. The best pieces that I've seen, though -- encrusted coralline and a good structure -- usually sells for $8/lb.

chasekwe · 01/31/2006, 06:37 PM

Albany, NY

The LFS has LR listed at $8.50/lb and base at $4.50. I can't say that I could distinguish between the regular and the base though. You can get very good LR online without much searching for between $3.50-$4.50 from what I've seen though so the LFS doesn't get my business when it comes to the rocks.

Yankeefan91 · 01/31/2006, 07:09 PM

SW virginia-lfs store sells it for $14!! And it looks horrible!

FormulatedFire · 01/31/2006, 07:18 PM

most of the stores in baltimore are around $5-$7 but Dr. Mac's is about 2 hours away and they are $3-$4

BarkingCrab · 01/31/2006, 07:27 PM

The closest LFS to me in Southern MA is typically about $5. Quality is fair. They recently had some that they claimed was covered with coralline that listed on thier site at $10.

Andrew · 01/31/2006, 07:36 PM

Theres a lfs out of town that wants $12 per lb I think. The ones around here charge around $6 lb

( that $12 lb rock wasn't even good. )

jmicky41 · 01/31/2006, 07:50 PM

In Chicagoland, figi usually sells for around $6-7. Tonga branch for around $8-9. My favorite is bali which when available is about $9. But the bali is so light it takes up twice the space as figi. At most places if you buy 20lbs they take off $1 per pound. The main benefit to buying at the LFS is being able to select interesting shapes, while throwing the heavy bricks back. I probably paid $100-200 more to do my tank than mail order, but I like every piece.

GreyG35 · 01/31/2006, 08:02 PM

Here in Rochester, NY one of the reef shops has cured Fiji rock for $4.99/lb if you buy at least 50 lbs. It seems pretty decent, and you get to pick your own...I was quite happy with it, since I didn't have to wait for it to cure.

Agu · 01/31/2006, 08:15 PM

$4 to $10 depending on the store, the rock, and their inventory.

DCFix · 01/31/2006, 09:31 PM

6th Avenue Aquarium in SF

$4/lb if you buy more than 10lbs including:
Caribbean Sea, Jakarta, Florida, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and Bali.

dfiddy · 01/31/2006, 10:59 PM

closest one to me sells @ about $10/lb for some really cruddy bleached out "live" aptasia-ridden base rock.. most are around $8/lb.

reefdude71 · 01/31/2006, 11:46 PM

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/...ad.php?t=12539

I found this link on another board. Most of the live rock is less than $4 a pound with delivery. Has anyone got any of this?

Pandora · 02/01/2006, 09:07 AM

Hey, thanks for your input so far. Keep em coming!

What a beautiful bell curve.

reefdude, you may want to try to do a search in the vendor experiences forum, you may find your answer there.

WaterKeeper · 02/01/2006, 09:58 AM

Hi ReefDude

To Reef Central

The LFS around this area generally have two types of LR for sale. Partly cured bulk LR and what they like to call "display" rock. The bulk runs about $7-$8 per pound but a ten pound piece of "display" rock can cost well over $100. Of course, it is fully cured and usually has abundant fan worms and other inhabitants. I once paid $175 for about a 10 lbs piece but it was covered with Christmas tree worms and some corals.

nick063 · 02/01/2006, 10:05 AM

3.99 lb tallahassee fl

Pandora · 02/01/2006, 10:06 AM

Yeah, I have to also mention that if there are more than one price for LR in the same store (such as really nice display Fiji, vs. not-so-live base rock); that you can select more than one. Just getting a round-house figure.

When I started out in the hobby about 6 years ago, I think I just really lucked out. I purchased about 100 lbs of LR from a nice guy taking down his tank; 2 very large, intricate pc's, covered in coraline, various polyps and all sorts of life... at around $3/lb (again, this is hobbyist trading, not counting it above). Through my many moves, I've tried to hold on to it like gold, and never had to buy more than a random piece here or there, usually with other corals, again from people taking stuff down. I've never purchased from the LFS before because of the prices, and seeing the average ones now, I don't think I will anytime soon...

six.line · 02/01/2006, 10:14 AM

Here in the great beehive state of Utah the LFS (Ogden) gave it to me for a newbie discount of $4.50/lb. Normally runs $5- $6 uncured. Some of mine had corraline, others didn't. They're not very picky on what you take, they allow you that option. Mine had what looked to be like button polyps that were dying on it but have since grown. Unless it's aiptasia... I've never seen aiptasia like that, though.

ycrazyy · 02/01/2006, 11:30 AM

Around me, Westchester County, NY, the LFS's range. If I go to the higher end places in CT (about 15 mins away), it can be $9+ per lb for just ok looking rock. A couple of places closer to me sell it for between $4 - $6/lb for partially cured rock. None of it is all that fabulous and for the tank I am building I am going to try an online order since I haven't been happy with the 5 LFS's selection.

joe90usa · 02/01/2006, 11:58 AM

The nicest rock around me is $14.99 a pound for "premium" at a place in Grand Haven, MI. Rediculous. Other cured prices here are between $8 and $9 a pound, or about $5 for uncured. There are very few shops doing live rock here in western Michigan, so they use that to their advantage.

Stephany · 02/01/2006, 01:38 PM

Does anyone have Indonesian Live Rock at their LFS?
~$6/lb for Fiji here
Central New York

View Poll Results: How much do LFS in your area charge for live rock, per pound?
Less than $5	12	9.84%
$5-6	27	22.13%
$6-7	27	22.13%
$7-8	24	19.67%
$8-9	24	19.67%
$9-10	16	13.11%
More than $10 (!)	8	6.56%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 122. You may not vote on this poll

01/31/2006, 05:19 PM	#1
Pandora Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Maryland near DC Posts: 1,706	LFS Live Rock Prices They're obviously going up, but some of it is getting out of hand, which is why many are turning to online sources or buying it secondhand nowadays. Just curious how much newbies are seeing it sold for at their LFS (Local Fish Store). Do NOT include how much you have seen private hobbyists and online dealers charge, brick and mortar only. You can select more than one option if there is more than one LFS close to you. If you are in the >$10/lb category, please post where you are! I know Canada & overseas, this is where it's at. __________________ Where are we going... And why am I in this handbasket? Current Tank Info: 75gal reef tank, 30 gal octopus tank, Other: 75gal planted Amazon tank

01/31/2006, 05:46 PM	#2
ant276 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Delray Beach, florida Posts: 116	Delray Beach - South Florida. 8-9 for me. By the time I need rock again I'm sure it'll be more. It's a lot cheaper for the rubble though. ~5 Tony __________________ Ahhh should the water gush out of the tank like that?!! No seriously get a mop! Current Tank Info: 1 75 gallon, 30 gal sump; 4 48" T5, 2 48" VHO; Contains 2 clarkii, 2 pajama cardinals, 1 fanged blenny, 1 foxface, gbta, button polyps

01/31/2006, 05:52 PM	#3
cato New England Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CT Posts: 5,450	Depends what he has from time to time. Pretty much $8-$10/lb depending on quanity you buy. I'm finding that my LFS is pretty much overpriced on almost everything though. Bought a 200g bucket Oceanic salt for $80 then saw it at DFS for $39/bucket and only $5 S&H so I ordered 2 due here Fri. __________________ -Cato I swear it's an illness... Current Tank Info: On Hiatus

01/31/2006, 05:58 PM	#5
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	here its $8 per lb. and a slight discount for the more you buy if you get 30+lbs its $6 per lb. but their LR is like wet base rock. with very little coralline, and other life on it. the other LFS is $5-$6 per lb. depending on how much you get, i think. i whish i knew about them before hand!! __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

01/31/2006, 05:57 PM	#4
Clayman Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richer, Manitoba Posts: 234	Here in Canada it ranges in our city from $8 to $10 CAD for premium rock.( Which I think is not too bad, SOME is really nice stuff ) I got mine for 7$ because I got before my LFS had put it in his tanks. ( Also got first dibbs on the good stuff )

01/31/2006, 06:13 PM	#6
davidcalgary29 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 119	Local LFS prices range from $5.99 (cyano covered coral rubble -- who buys this?) to $10.49 for "Tonga" LR. The best pieces that I've seen, though -- encrusted coralline and a good structure -- usually sells for $8/lb.

01/31/2006, 06:37 PM	#7
chasekwe Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 631	Albany, NY The LFS has LR listed at $8.50/lb and base at $4.50. I can't say that I could distinguish between the regular and the base though. You can get very good LR online without much searching for between $3.50-$4.50 from what I've seen though so the LFS doesn't get my business when it comes to the rocks.

01/31/2006, 07:09 PM	#8
Yankeefan91 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 55	SW virginia-lfs store sells it for $14!! And it looks horrible!

01/31/2006, 07:18 PM	#9
FormulatedFire Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glen Burnie, MD Posts: 138	most of the stores in baltimore are around $5-$7 but Dr. Mac's is about 2 hours away and they are $3-$4

01/31/2006, 07:27 PM	#10
BarkingCrab Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: South of Boston, MA Posts: 98	The closest LFS to me in Southern MA is typically about $5. Quality is fair. They recently had some that they claimed was covered with coralline that listed on thier site at $10. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum. Current Tank Info: 75g Oceanic, EuroReef , 30g custom sump, Mag7 Return, Tek T5 6x54w

01/31/2006, 07:36 PM	#11
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Theres a lfs out of town that wants $12 per lb I think. The ones around here charge around $6 lb ( that $12 lb rock wasn't even good. )

01/31/2006, 07:50 PM	#12
jmicky41 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 891	In Chicagoland, figi usually sells for around $6-7. Tonga branch for around $8-9. My favorite is bali which when available is about $9. But the bali is so light it takes up twice the space as figi. At most places if you buy 20lbs they take off $1 per pound. The main benefit to buying at the LFS is being able to select interesting shapes, while throwing the heavy bricks back. I probably paid $100-200 more to do my tank than mail order, but I like every piece. __________________ The bake sale to raise money for the carwash has been cancelled - due to confusion. Current Tank Info: 125 fowlr: 280watts VHO, 75LBS of mixed rock, Deltec AP600 skimmer, wet dry, GRi 518 return pump, 15 watt Aqua UV,(2) tunze 6000 on a 7095, goldflake angel(RIP), flame angel(8 years old), mitratus butterfly, yellow tang, majestic rabbitfsih

01/31/2006, 08:02 PM	#13
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	Here in Rochester, NY one of the reef shops has cured Fiji rock for $4.99/lb if you buy at least 50 lbs. It seems pretty decent, and you get to pick your own...I was quite happy with it, since I didn't have to wait for it to cure. __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)

01/31/2006, 08:15 PM	#14
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	$4 to $10 depending on the store, the rock, and their inventory. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

01/31/2006, 09:31 PM	#15
DCFix Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Milpitas Posts: 68	6th Avenue Aquarium in SF $4/lb if you buy more than 10lbs including: Caribbean Sea, Jakarta, Florida, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and Bali.

01/31/2006, 10:59 PM	#16
dfiddy Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Windsor, CT Posts: 769	closest one to me sells @ about $10/lb for some really cruddy bleached out "live" aptasia-ridden base rock.. most are around $8/lb. __________________ ....And I support this message. Current Tank Info: 75 gallon... in development!

01/31/2006, 11:46 PM	#17
reefdude71 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1	http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/...ad.php?t=12539 I found this link on another board. Most of the live rock is less than $4 a pound with delivery. Has anyone got any of this?

02/01/2006, 09:07 AM	#18
Pandora Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Maryland near DC Posts: 1,706	Hey, thanks for your input so far. Keep em coming! What a beautiful bell curve. reefdude, you may want to try to do a search in the vendor experiences forum, you may find your answer there. __________________ Where are we going... And why am I in this handbasket? Current Tank Info: 75gal reef tank, 30 gal octopus tank, Other: 75gal planted Amazon tank

02/01/2006, 09:58 AM	#19
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Hi ReefDude *To Reef Central* The LFS around this area generally have two types of LR for sale. Partly cured bulk LR and what they like to call "display" rock. The bulk runs about $7-$8 per pound but a ten pound piece of "display" rock can cost well over $100. Of course, it is fully cured and usually has abundant fan worms and other inhabitants. I once paid $175 for about a 10 lbs piece but it was covered with Christmas tree worms and some corals. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

02/01/2006, 10:05 AM	#20
nick063 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 246	3.99 lb tallahassee fl

02/01/2006, 10:06 AM	#21
Pandora Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Maryland near DC Posts: 1,706	Yeah, I have to also mention that if there are more than one price for LR in the same store (such as really nice display Fiji, vs. not-so-live base rock); that you can select more than one. Just getting a round-house figure. When I started out in the hobby about 6 years ago, I think I just really lucked out. I purchased about 100 lbs of LR from a nice guy taking down his tank; 2 very large, intricate pc's, covered in coraline, various polyps and all sorts of life... at around $3/lb (again, this is hobbyist trading, not counting it above). Through my many moves, I've tried to hold on to it like gold, and never had to buy more than a random piece here or there, usually with other corals, again from people taking stuff down. I've never purchased from the LFS before because of the prices, and seeing the average ones now, I don't think I will anytime soon... __________________ Where are we going... And why am I in this handbasket? Current Tank Info: 75gal reef tank, 30 gal octopus tank, Other: 75gal planted Amazon tank

02/01/2006, 10:14 AM	#22
six.line Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Logan, UT Posts: 775	Here in the great beehive state of Utah the LFS (Ogden) gave it to me for a newbie discount of $4.50/lb. Normally runs $5- $6 uncured. Some of mine had corraline, others didn't. They're not very picky on what you take, they allow you that option. Mine had what looked to be like button polyps that were dying on it but have since grown. Unless it's aiptasia... I've never seen aiptasia like that, though. __________________ This post approved by Mrs. Sixline. assign <= six.line(#FFFFFF && string("nerdy")) Current Tank Info: 30 gallon with 10 gallon sump

02/01/2006, 11:30 AM	#23
ycrazyy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New York Posts: 327	Around me, Westchester County, NY, the LFS's range. If I go to the higher end places in CT (about 15 mins away), it can be $9+ per lb for just ok looking rock. A couple of places closer to me sell it for between $4 - $6/lb for partially cured rock. None of it is all that fabulous and for the tank I am building I am going to try an online order since I haven't been happy with the 5 LFS's selection.

02/01/2006, 11:58 AM	#24
joe90usa Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ABQ Posts: 118	The nicest rock around me is $14.99 a pound for "premium" at a place in Grand Haven, MI. Rediculous. Other cured prices here are between $8 and $9 a pound, or about $5 for uncured. There are very few shops doing live rock here in western Michigan, so they use that to their advantage.

02/01/2006, 01:38 PM	#25
Stephany Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,278	Does anyone have Indonesian Live Rock at their LFS? ~$6/lb for Fiji here Central New York