What is considered live rock?

xunkn0vvnx · 09/11/2006, 12:23 AM

What is actually considered live rock? Do all rocks have the capability of growing organisms in them?

I have rock or coral or lava rock that I collected from Hawaii while diving in the ocean... I have had it in my fish tank for over 6 months, is this considered live rock? and will my corals be able to grow on them?

drummereef · 09/11/2006, 12:29 AM

Most all rock have the ability to harbor beneficial bacteria. Some more preferable rock is fiji, tonga, etc because it is very porous and will hold more bacteria than a dense rock. Many add base 'dead' rock to the tank at setup and seed with a couple established live pieces. Obviously the rock you collected is live since it came from the ocean and has been in your tank that long, but I can't answer if it's ok to have in the tank.

Blown 346 · 09/11/2006, 05:57 AM

If what you collected was dreid out and it held no toxins then you are ok. Since it has been in your system for that period of time with no problems you are fine.

What you have is considered live as stated above in the time frame. Corals will attatch themselves to anything.

09/11/2006, 12:23 AM	#1
xunkn0vvnx Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 221	What is considered live rock? What is actually considered live rock? Do all rocks have the capability of growing organisms in them? I have rock or coral or lava rock that I collected from Hawaii while diving in the ocean... I have had it in my fish tank for over 6 months, is this considered live rock? and will my corals be able to grow on them?

09/11/2006, 12:29 AM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Most all rock have the ability to harbor beneficial bacteria. Some more preferable rock is fiji, tonga, etc because it is very porous and will hold more bacteria than a dense rock. Many add base 'dead' rock to the tank at setup and seed with a couple established live pieces. Obviously the rock you collected is live since it came from the ocean and has been in your tank that long, but I can't answer if it's ok to have in the tank. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

09/11/2006, 05:57 AM	#3
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	If what you collected was dreid out and it held no toxins then you are ok. Since it has been in your system for that period of time with no problems you are fine. What you have is considered live as stated above in the time frame. Corals will attatch themselves to anything.