I have read about the guys producing live rock by placing dead rock into sea and waiting....

I am after the rock to form the base of the tank, not the outside visable stuff. could you cycle rock that had been left in the gulf for about 3 months if you slowly brough the temp up to a reef type environment????

where could i get the dead rock from for a resonable price... i would need quite a bit.....

How about build a reef rack 2 save some dosh? otherwise i have some live rock for sale PM me if you need some, steve

8)

Where does dead rock suitable to marine use come from?

Is it imported, or dug up somewhere....

been reading about crushed oyster shells and cement.....

What we did find was rock which had been recently dredged out of the ocean as a harbor and channel widening project in the Islands. This rock was also ancient reef and when cut in half one can see the skeletons of corals, gorgonians, animals and other reef organisms. It is a very porous rock, megascopicaly, and this rock proved to be the prime candidate for use.

there must be somewhere in NZ where a quay has this type of rock structure, I have asked a geoligist mate, so will post the answer if any.....

here does dead rock suitable to marine use come from?

I think all the base rock available locally is broken off reefs in Fiji, blasted with steam and then dried to kill everything and then imported and we have to put it in our tanks and try to make it alive again.

I made rock from concrete that I put in the ocean for several months to liven it and make sure it was completely cured. I’m not sure if this has helped the cycle time as I will only be doing my third round of tests tonight. It did however give the rock a nice red colour that I hope will survive in my tank. Also there was a lot of life living on the rock that is now in the tank. My tank is only a couple degrees warmer that the ocean as I’m keeping Native marines.

i hope that "nice red colour" aint cyano

i'm getting some nice bright red corraline growth on some rocks now.

pics?

at the mo its just little bits here and there (and my picture taking skills arent up to scratch)

nb new camera

the classic purple stuff has also started

bump

omaru stone probably is the closest to reef base rock. Going to do some more investigation this weekend

lot of work when you can buy the real thing for $5 a kilo!!!

see pc100's add in the sale sec.

doesnt any one like my red rock??

but i do not know what omaru stone costs either......

does seem a good deal though....

just have to cycle it.... 8)

yeah real shame he only took it out of a tank 3 days ago!