Live Rock?

[wet dreamer]

I am setting up a new tank and have read where I want to get the freshest live rock I can find because it doesn't last forever. My LFS sells it for 10.99 a pound and I have no idea how fresh but I wouldn't have to cure it. I am leaning towards ordering online from a site like this Saltwater Aquarium Rock for Marine Reef Aquariums: Fiji Premium Live Rock - Large Size but even the cured rock needs to be cured again. Can I do this second curing right in the display tank as part of my initial cycle? I am hoping the bad smells and stuff aren't as bad on a second cure in the house but I could be wrong.

Thanks

[Reefing Madness]

Sure can. And run a skimmer when you do this curing, it will help keep the nasty out of the tank as the die off is removed from the Live Rock. the stinky is not that bad, unless you have your nose stuffed in there.

[leebca]

The best answer to your question is, 'It depends.' You'll have to sort of play it by ear as they say. If the rock comes to you and smells bad, has visually rotting life forms on it, then I would suggest doing the cure in a large plastic container.

Despite 'advertising' you may just get something not ready for an easy final cure. For the most part, though, these sources are usually responsible (but some aren't) and you will be able to do the final cure in your new setup.

[I'm making the assumption that you mean live rock out of water 'doesn't last forever.']

[wet dreamer]

[I'm making the assumption that you mean live rock out of water 'doesn't last forever.']

No I'll quote you in What is Live Rock, Anyway? saying, "When should it be replaced? When the aquarist starts getting elevated nitrate readings (usually after 8 years) with the usual water changes and maintenance and bio-load. " So essentially my understanding is if I buy live rock from my LFS that has been in a giant tub for 2 or 3 years (who really knows) then I am cutting the life span down before I even get started correct? The online source claims their live rock is flown in weekly (I realize that is just a a claim) so I would be getting much fresher product and therefore longest life span. If live rock was a dollar a pound it wouldn't be that big a deal but at 10.99 it adds up quick.

[leebca]

Now I understand what you mean by 'fresh.' Thanks for that clarification. I tend to try and pick up small things in posts to be sure we are speaking about the same things. You are of course correct in this sense, the 'freshest' the better for nitrate control. But also, you want LR that is truly 'living' with the organisms mentioned in 1). It's hard to tell if you'll be getting this kind of LR.

Live rock reduces nitrates in two main ways:
1) Organisms in the live rock (which don't reproduce in aquariums) living in tiny pockets where they control oxygen levels in those areas; and
2) Tiny areas of the live rock where water circulation is very little, creating anoxic pockets (places of very low oxygen, but not totally absent).

Controlling nitrates is very important in reef systems where corals and invertebrates are sensitive to nitrate levels. LR is very useful in reef systems for this ability.