Lace Rock for Dry Rock?

[TheFishTeen]

Does lace rock work for dry rock in a reef tank? Marcorocks.com is a pretty common supplier of dry rock for reef tanks, and they are advertised as Key Largo Rock. It is sold at about $2.50 a lbs.

A landscaping supply near me sells 'Lace Rock' which is also a very porous rock and I was curious if it compares well to the Key Largo sold from marco rocks and if it could be used as the dry rock for my reef tank.

Keep in mind the landscaping supply sells the rock for $1 a pound!

Pics for reference:
Lace Rock:
[IMG]http://i52.*******.com/vy9p2g.jpg[/IMG]

Marco Rocks Key Largo:
[IMG]http://i54.*******.com/2zea4o7.png[/IMG]

[RocketEngineer]

You need to determine if it is a calcium carbonate rock or a pumice based rock. Take some vinegar with you and ask if you can test the rock. In a small spot apply some vinegar, if it starts bubbling you should be in buisness. If it doesn't bubble, I wouldn't use it in a SW setup. Years ago I bought "lace rock" that was pumice and while carving it to make holes and passage ways was easy, the stuff cut up my fish as they chased each other though it. Check it to make sure it came from the ocean and go from there.

RocketEngineer

[Useful_Idiot]

Some types also leach phosphates. I would take a small piece and let it sit in rodi then use a Hannah meter to see if anything leaches out. GL

[TheFishTeen]

Originally Posted by RocketEngineer

You need to determine if it is a calcium carbonate rock or a pumice based rock. Take some vinegar with you and ask if you can test the rock. In a small spot apply some vinegar, if it starts bubbling you should be in buisness. If it doesn't bubble, I wouldn't use it in a SW setup. Years ago I bought "lace rock" that was pumice and while carving it to make holes and passage ways was easy, the stuff cut up my fish as they chased each other though it. Check it to make sure it came from the ocean and go from there.

RocketEngineer

Thanks for the detailed report, I really appreciate it. I'll call them now and see of they know whether its pumice based or CC. I will also do as you said and bring some vinegar to test it. When I purchased some slate from them before for a freshwater tank, I tested it with the solution from an API PH test kit. I'll try vinegar this time.

Originally Posted by Useful_Idiot

Some types also leach phosphates. I would take a small piece and let it sit in rodi then use a Hannah meter to see if anything leaches out. GL

Will do!

[Crusty Old Shellback]

I've had lace rock in my reef tank for years with no problems. It's so encrusted now that you can't even tell that it's lace rock.

I had it in my FW tank at first and when I broke them down, I move dit into my reef as it looked so good. As I said, over 10 years in the reef tank and no problems.

[TheFishTeen]

Originally Posted by Crusty Old Shellback

I've had lace rock in my reef tank for years with no problems. It's so encrusted now that you can't even tell that it's lace rock.

I had it in my FW tank at first and when I broke them down, I move dit into my reef as it looked so good. As I said, over 10 years in the reef tank and no problems.

I just called the landscaping supply and they said the lace rock is the real stuff, not man made. I think i'm in business!