Reefatosis
Guest
I am at the point of my SPS cube build when I need to consider rock-scaping. And I'm stuck deciding what is best. My end goal would be predominantly SPS with "under-planting" with some lower-PAR corals. But I do enjoy the seeing the sponges, random inverts and other cryptic type things. I feel that I have a good handle on tank cycling and live rock husbandry (though I am no expert).
So....
Option 1: Go to LFS and purchase wet rock.
Pros: Instant fix, chance for to goodies I mentioned above.
Cons: I don't know where it came from and my fear is that for the investment I might be getting someones "tainted" old rock (pests or nutrients).
My last batch of rock came from All About Fish and I was able to open the shipment boxes and cherry pick from a newly imported batch. Lots of life did survive the cycle (sponges, mysis shrimp and a couple of tunicate like features). But I beginning to get a sense that this opportunity may not exist any longer.
I've also consider Jestersix but the cons of unknown rock source, like noted above, worries me. And I like to tinker with scaping myself.
Option 2: Ceramic rock ex. Vidarock (aqua-tecture.com)
Pros: Potentially minimal risk for future of tank. I do wonder about trace metals as was noted with the ceramic filter blocks; but also can't seem to find information that directly connects the test findings with negative long-term outcome.
Cons: I can still get all the pest I desire via frags. No cryptic / benthic life. Are these really available for purchase. Need cycling from scratch.
Option 3: Tampa Bay Rock
Pros: Lots of cryptic / benthic stuff. Suggestively no cycling; though I wouldn't pull a ATF-TANKED move and dump everything in a once.
Cons: Kind of expensive. Greatest chance for undesirable critters and maybe algae. Not exactly sure what type of base rock is used until you get the shipment. And I get a bit skeptical when you can buy all sorts of odd-ball sponges, conches, sea cucumbers and live sand from the same site.
So, what would you all consider. What am I overlooking. Or if I am being just plain difficult.
So....
Option 1: Go to LFS and purchase wet rock.
Pros: Instant fix, chance for to goodies I mentioned above.
Cons: I don't know where it came from and my fear is that for the investment I might be getting someones "tainted" old rock (pests or nutrients).
My last batch of rock came from All About Fish and I was able to open the shipment boxes and cherry pick from a newly imported batch. Lots of life did survive the cycle (sponges, mysis shrimp and a couple of tunicate like features). But I beginning to get a sense that this opportunity may not exist any longer.
I've also consider Jestersix but the cons of unknown rock source, like noted above, worries me. And I like to tinker with scaping myself.
Option 2: Ceramic rock ex. Vidarock (aqua-tecture.com)
Pros: Potentially minimal risk for future of tank. I do wonder about trace metals as was noted with the ceramic filter blocks; but also can't seem to find information that directly connects the test findings with negative long-term outcome.
Cons: I can still get all the pest I desire via frags. No cryptic / benthic life. Are these really available for purchase. Need cycling from scratch.
Option 3: Tampa Bay Rock
Pros: Lots of cryptic / benthic stuff. Suggestively no cycling; though I wouldn't pull a ATF-TANKED move and dump everything in a once.
Cons: Kind of expensive. Greatest chance for undesirable critters and maybe algae. Not exactly sure what type of base rock is used until you get the shipment. And I get a bit skeptical when you can buy all sorts of odd-ball sponges, conches, sea cucumbers and live sand from the same site.
So, what would you all consider. What am I overlooking. Or if I am being just plain difficult.