what i have done with dead dry rock was used it to mount large monties on and it took about 1- 1.5 months for the rest of the rock to become live critters and stuff move in prity quick as they are use to the reefs in the wild and there is no new teritory on them inless some thing is sunk or droped thete and then it is taken over by the wild life in a matter of no time at all. but yes to is a good way to go and yes you can have mor controle.

Bill