Tampa Bay Saltwater

[NoSump]

I've often read posts concerning Tampa Bay Saltwater - that they have the most abundent life on their live rock (due to the short shipping distance and wet delivery method).

I'm heading down to the Tampa area for a golf outing this weekend, and am considering making a side trip to TBS. Has anyone had any experience with this supplier (good or bad)? On one hand, I like the idea of more abundent and varied life in my tank - on the other hand, I am a bit concerned about the introduction of species that I would rather not have in the tank.

I'm leaving in an hour, so any inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Chuck

[Poseidon]

I believe that rock is heavier then other rock so you get less rock per pound... Also you have a valid concern of unwanted critters...

[dougc]

The rock is dense. About half of my rock came from TBS, but not directly to me. I bought it from someone that was breaking down his tank. It worked well for aquascaping because some of the pieces were nice size slabs, which I used as my bottom layer of rock.

The rock is full of life, both good and bad. I did inherit several mantis shrimp, one of which slipped by the border patrol I though might have succumbed to my red bug treatment, but I heard it the other night, so reports of it's death were premature.

[kevinpo]

I know of several people that have gotten up to 5 mantis shrimp in their rock.

HTH,
Kevin

[NoSump]

Thanks guys,

It sounds as though it was fortuitous that when I visited their facility late Saturday afternoon they had no remaining gulf rock. Evidently, Due to bad weather earlier in the week, they had not been able to replenish their stocks (also one customer had purchased over 300 lbs of rock in the morning).

I did purchase three "orange turbo snails". I had never heard of the species, they are smaller than the bulldozer mexican turbos, and a bright orange color.

If you ever plan to visit Tampa Saltwater, the facility is very "sparse", and difficult to find (there is no sign on the non-discript building).

Chuck