Base Rock vs Cure Live Rock vs Uncure live Rock

[GinKu]

can someone tell me what are the pros and cons for 3 types of rock?

[AJ_77]

Here's some reading - hope it helps.
http://www.waltsmith.com/news/about_live_rockandsand.html
http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/weekly/aa111901a.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/liverock1.htm

cheers

[pocilipora]

Ive always used lots of base rock and little in the way of live rock. It all turns "LIVE" anyways.

[AJ_77]

I really don't want to sound like I know anything, but how long did it take before your rock turned nice and "live" for you? Most of the tanks I've seen up close that have taken your approach have looked less than great, when compared to the best tanks I've seen (that have used large amounts of 'premium' live rock). Do you think it's the type/quality of base rock, as discussed recently by teevee and others? Or is it other factors?

I know it's a lot cheaper and all, but I've yet to see a tank made up with base rock that makes me go, "Wow!" Too often it's the opposite reaction, or kind of a "how long until that gets fixed?"

Don't mean to come off as some kind of LR snob or anything, just wondering if there's a way to do this that works better than other ways...

thanks,

[pocilipora]

I dont understand what is meant by "how long till that gets fixed"? Can you explain? The base rock does not take long to start growing coraline, tube worms, feather dusters,sponges,etc. And anything else that came on the "Live" pieces. Ive never been lucky enough to have anything substantial grow out of the rock, maybe some zoos, mushrooms, or a soft coral but thats about it. I just use my rock as a place to attach corals, it all gets covered in the end. :biggrin: :cool:

[AJ_77]

I guess I coud be more specific. I'm referring to the greenish/greyish kind of colour that some base rock takes on instead of the purples/reds/pinks... base rock that sometimes seems to grow more indiscriminate fuzz than coraline or any neat organisms, like you say.

I know that free corals and polyps don't come on base rock, but it must be a certain type that converts so well into live rock - seeded live rock that can't be distinguished from the Fiji reef rubble that is marketed, or other "real" (and real expensive) types.

I'll have to back and find some pics of your tank, maybe from when you sold off those acros and stuff...