Actual live rock at SWA

[BAYMAC]

Curing rock means different things to different people. I would think with wet/damp rock you’d put it in a bucket with saltwater, flow, and a heater for maybe 1-2 weeks to let dead stuff decompose (and let living stuff stay living). Not the more intensive curing process that includes actively killing everything and then letting it reseed for many weeks or months that some people mean by curing.

This is what I was referring to. Not cooking rock.

 

[FinalPhaze987]

Curing rock means different things to different people. I would think with wet/damp rock you’d put it in a bucket with saltwater, flow, and a heater for maybe 1-2 weeks to let dead stuff decompose (and let living stuff stay living). Not the more intensive curing process that includes actively killing everything and then letting it reseed for many weeks or months that some people mean by curing.

Though if it’s going into a mature larger tank probably just putting it in is fine since there’s already an active microbiome to process the decomposition.

Short cures were still weeks long. 60 lb. Boxes of Totoka & Vanuatu rock cost the same as a 5lb order of what's currently available. It always came in damp and smelling like hot butt, but had all sorts of crap on it. Waiting for all of it to die off took forever. My garage would smell like divorce was in the air if I didn't get it in the tank soon.

@gimmito where you at Jim?! If you still got that rock I sold you, you could make a killin!!!! Lol

 

[FinalPhaze987]

This is what I was referring to. Not cooking rock.

That's how I recall the terms as well.

 

[H2OPlayar]

Please show us the rock when it arrives!

I'll take some pics of the process. I'll just dump it in my sump and let what dies die and the pollutants go diluted.

 

[H2OPlayar]

Rocks came today. Shipping took longer than usual to get started, but this is different from dry goods.

Rocks were moist, but not wet. I got 3 big pieces and a couple little ones.

No bad smell, so hopefully doing what it needs to do.

 

[iani]

What are your initial thoughts?

 

[H2OPlayar]

What are your initial thoughts?

I like that they use a heat pack, and the bag is double layer and water tight. Seems like they let the rocks drip dry for a bit to minimize shipping weight prior to packaging. The shape of the rocks is cool, almost like a large pukani. Any specific questions?

 

[iani]

I like that they use a heat pack, and the bag is double layer and water tight. Seems like they let the rocks drip dry for a bit to minimize shipping weight prior to packaging. The shape of the rocks is cool, almost like a large pukani. Any specific questions?

Does it look like there is a lot of "life" on the rock? Or is it pretty bare?

 

[FinalPhaze987]

I was able to get my order last Thursday..had them in an observation tank for a while to check for any pest..ill be posting thoughts on it soon

 

[H2OPlayar]

Does it look like there is a lot of "life" on the rock? Or is it pretty bare?

Pretty bare, looks like you are only really getting the bacterial input. All 3 big rocks looked like the one I took the picture of in that they look clean and free from coralline or other algae, and I didn't see any critters.

 

[Patio]

Rocks were moist, but not wet. I got 3 big pieces and a couple little ones.

No bad smell, so hopefully doing what it needs to do.

Any sign of life on the rock?

 

[H2OPlayar]

Any sign of life on the rock?

Maybe bacterial, but no other stuff

 

[B the Nano Reefer]

I’d be livid if I paid $20/lb and received that lol There’s a guy on R2R selling some of the nicest wild Australia live rock I’ve seen around lately… at least based on the pics and the countless people who have bought from him on that forum… but $25/lb + steep shipping I believe. Apparently he will video chat so you can pick out your rock specifically.

 

[Alexander1312]

I’d be livid if I paid $20/lb and received that lol There’s a guy on R2R selling some of the nicest wild Australia live rock I’ve seen around lately… at least based on the pics and the countless people who have bought from him on that forum… but $25/lb + steep shipping I believe. Apparently he will video chat so you can pick out your rock specifically.

Submerged in water shipping?

 

[B the Nano Reefer]

Submerged in water shipping?

Not sure. Haven’t inquired/looked into in much other than seeing pictures, videos and reading rave reviews on a a couple very lengthy threads on R2R. Looks like the site is, Premium Australian Live Rock

Here’s a link to one of his threads on R2R R2R Forum Link

 

[Arvin R]

Submerged in water shipping?

With shipping costs lately I doubt it's shipped submerged in water. Most places will just place wet paper towels inside with the rock. When I brought in a shipment of Aussie live rock there wasn't much life on it but it was wet.

 

[Alexander1312]

With shipping costs lately I doubt it's shipped submerged in water. Most places will just place wet paper towels inside with the rock. When I brought in a shipment of Aussie live rock there wasn't much life on it but it was wet.

Yep, and that’s a pass for me then. KP Aquatics ships them submerged and if I am desperate I go to Tampa Bay. These wet newspaper practices are not appealing to me.

 

[Arvin R]

Yep, and that’s a pass for me then. KP Aquatics ships them submerged and if I am desperate I go to Tampa Bay. These wet newspaper practices are not appealing to me.

I completely agree. It kind of kills the point of buying live rock in the first place. And since the first one I have not ordered another batch from the supplier.

 

[FinalPhaze987]

I think it really depends on what ones goal is when purchasing.

The pics on SWA are pretty transparent as to how this rock looks. Nothing showstopping about it, but if the goal is to diversify one's biome, I do find it of value. I think it's great for the hobby, as most of our options have been limited to "premium aquacultured".

Yea, it's not packed in water....but neither was any of that other rock we used 25 years ago packed in it as well..didn't have enough crabs or worms? Just buy em separately..

Hell, there's aquascapes that are selling for 10 times the cost of this and are bone dry. BUT, they're nice to look at..

Again, all comes down to intended goals.

In a year, after its all encrusted with stuff, is there really someone that can tell the difference between them? Maybe back then, yes...distinctive shapes, coral patterns, and porosity were easy tells...nowadays, everything looks like maricultured marcorocks.

The pieces I got are decently shaped, base rock vibes, and are not permanent for my own set up..once they have spread their bacterial cooties to the rest of my rock, I would consider their job done and find someone who can use them from there. I was fortunate to have some macro life in my order...some I kept, others that were questionable were discarded. But I would imagine it's the same way with purchasing from any other supplier.

 

[H2OPlayar]

Not sure. Haven’t inquired/looked into in much other than seeing pictures, videos and reading rave reviews on a a couple very lengthy threads on R2R. Looks like the site is, Premium Australian Live Rock

Here’s a link to one of his threads on R2R R2R Forum Link

Ok, bit the bullet for everyone and ordering this one too for science sake. They are out of stock on the premium, but told me to order the decorative for 30/lb. The video he sent has lots of life on the rocks, so I am hopeful. I'll keep everyone updated on this other shipment as well.