Mature TBS rock

MJAnderson · 06/21/2006, 10:24 AM

I'm looking to get some LR and someone in my area is selling off some old TBS rock. I know their big selling point is the freshness of the rock and the critters you get but these are start-up issues. How is it long term? Compared to other LR available, what is better after a tank is established?

bertoni · 06/21/2006, 07:44 PM

That's a good question, but there really aren't any data on the subject. Over time, I'd expect some species from the live rock to go extinct because they can't reproduce sufficiently. On the other hand, some species will proliferate, like mini-brittles, amphipods, etc, if the rock gets good care. All in all, I'd buy the rock if it looked good to me.

MJAnderson · 06/21/2006, 09:09 PM

Thanks. I was more thinking along the lines of looks/shape/porousness (if that's even a word), etc.

HAMsmith · 06/21/2006, 09:16 PM

Porosity instead of porousness.

As to the question I remember reading about someone having a large amount of die off over time. I think the number was something like 60% die off over a span of a couple years. I'll see if I can find that thread.

MJAnderson · 06/21/2006, 10:00 PM

Hmmm...I think I'm asking the wrong question. Lets try another:

How does TBS compare to Kaelini or Premium Fuji after they have all been in the tank 3 years. TBS seems to sell itself on being a fast way to start a tank. Since I'm buying rock from established tanks, I can assume equal growth.

bertoni · 06/21/2006, 10:25 PM

There are various opinions on that subject. Some people report losing a lot of the life off TBS rock over time.

06/21/2006, 10:24 AM	#1
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	Mature TBS rock I'm looking to get some LR and someone in my area is selling off some old TBS rock. I know their big selling point is the freshness of the rock and the critters you get but these are start-up issues. How is it long term? Compared to other LR available, what is better after a tank is established?

06/21/2006, 07:44 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	That's a good question, but there really aren't any data on the subject. Over time, I'd expect some species from the live rock to go extinct because they can't reproduce sufficiently. On the other hand, some species will proliferate, like mini-brittles, amphipods, etc, if the rock gets good care. All in all, I'd buy the rock if it looked good to me. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

06/21/2006, 10:25 PM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	There are various opinions on that subject. Some people report losing a lot of the life off TBS rock over time. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

06/21/2006, 09:09 PM	#3
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	Thanks. I was more thinking along the lines of looks/shape/porousness (if that's even a word), etc.

06/21/2006, 09:16 PM	#4
HAMsmith Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 195	Porosity instead of porousness. As to the question I remember reading about someone having a large amount of die off over time. I think the number was something like 60% die off over a span of a couple years. I'll see if I can find that thread.

06/21/2006, 10:00 PM	#5
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	Hmmm...I think I'm asking the wrong question. Lets try another: How does TBS compare to Kaelini or Premium Fuji after they have all been in the tank 3 years. TBS seems to sell itself on being a fast way to start a tank. Since I'm buying rock from established tanks, I can assume equal growth.