Live Rock

If you are planning to build your first saltwater aquarium, you may wonder why on earth the prospective inhabitants of your underwater world would demand the services of a Buddy Holly impersonator to make their lives more comfortable. But don’t panic, we’re not talking about that sort of live rock. Live rock is not exactly what it says on the tin as the rock itself is dead, formed from the remains of coral reefs that have been damaged by storms and hurricanes. The life it harbours is the important part; it’s a habitat for algae, marine worms, small crabs and other crustaceans. These creatures are hugely beneficial in a salt-water aquarium, recreating the real-world eco system that your fish would live in.

In short, live rock acts as a bio-filter for your tank. The creatures that it provides a home too process waste food and faeces. Because of its nature live rock has a large surface area, larger in many cases than traditional filters. Apart from its benefits as a filtering method, the rock can be used as a structure to form an attractive landscape; live corals can be attached, either by marine glue, or by carefully rooting it into crevices. Live rock and its inhabitants will also supply a source of food, hiding spaces and create a truly natural environment. Managed correctly many enthusiasts find live rock and its miniscule inhabitants as fascinating as the other inhabitants of the tank.

There are two types of live rock usually available on the market – cured and un-cured. The latter is cheaper but has the disadvantage that you will have to cure it yourself. This is a messy, smelly, time consuming process that can require a large amount of space. In short buying un-cured rock may be cheaper, but in terms of time and effort the cost of cured is outweighed by the inconvenience of curing yourself. Cured rock should be considered a worthwhile investment, especially if you are setting up your first saltwater environment.

The curing process involves keeping the rock in high circulation tanks under a fine spray of salt water. The rock is scrubbed off periodically to remove dead and dying organisms. This process should be undertaken over a period of several weeks, look for suppliers who cure their rock for at least four weeks. During the shipping process further organisms will die off. This is perfectly normal and you will need to cure the rock for a short period yourself if you are using it in an established tank. This process is simple and involves keeping the rock in separate containers periodically scrubbing off dead organisms. The process ensures that when you introduce the rock into your aquarium there will not be a sudden increase in ammonium. For advice on the process speak to your supplier, who will be happy to give you detailed information.

The sources of live rock are usually self-explanatory. Stockists will have various types of rock, Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf being a few of the brands. Reputable stockists will supply only rock that has been collected safely and correctly and is not therefore causing damage to the eco-systems from which it comes. A popular sustainable source for good quality live rock are the Fijian Islands, this type of Pacific rock is widely available. The collection and export of live rock is monitored by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This body periodically restricts or limits the collection of rock, so ensuring that your supplier is sourcing rock from areas that CITES allow is the best way to ensure that the rock you are buying is legitimate.

Whether you have an established aquarium or are starting a new tank, live rock will be an attractive and authentic addition creating a beautiful and realistic habitat for your aquatic friends.

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