Fiji Live Rock Coral
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
About Live Rock
What is Live Rock?
No, the rock is not alive, but actually is covered in life. Coral grows over it, coralline algae growing on it, worms, shrimp and other creatures crawl around, the fish swim around and through and every surface is covered by different types of beneficial bacteria.
After the cost of the equipment: aquarium, stand, lighting and filtration, Live Rock can be one of the most expensive important of all saltwater aquariums. Go to more than $ 10 per pound most tanks with about 1-2 pounds per gallon of tank volume, the rock living is an important part of the purchase price.
Live rock is essential in the filtration process of surface bacteria to decompose waste. Also help calm fish and wildlife, providing much-needed hiding. The main cause of death of a fish in an aquarium is the effort and the fish do not feel safe are quick to emphasize. Finally, the rocks provide the "Aqua-Scape" or "Reef-Scape, which is the landscape of the underwater world. Coral, sea anemones, sponges, plume worms, and all other non-mobile animals are organized in and around the reef structure created by the rock.
Where the majority of living stones from?
The vast majority of live rock available in either a local fish store or online is harvested directly from a living reef. To say this is harmful to the environment is a understatement. More of today's reefs are protected by liverock collection, so the selection is pretty weak. The rock is often available round uninterestingly shape, and often too small to make the structure interesting. Imagine trying to create an attractive pool area with apples … stack can not be otherwise than what you see in the supermarket. Devoid of any "cool" cracks, crevices, holes and other hidden pleasure can also be stressful for animals and fish.
During the retreat of the sea, the time on a boat in a detention center (in Tonga or Fiji, Marshall Islands or elsewhere …) Delivery in California, then sent back to their country, rock spends considerable time out of water. While the rock is under water all this time, it is "wet" adding to costs.
For transport, live animals and most algae on the rock dies. Once in your new aquarium, it can take 6-10 weeks for stuff to decompose dead organic and decompose at a point where it is safe to add fish and coral. We call this point in the cycle "or" hardening of the rock "and is one of the most difficult and frustrating for the owner of the new aquarium excited.
What is a hitchhiker. "
Often liverock comes with animals, albeit unknowingly, come along for the ride. The sponges, crabs, corals, worms and small shrimp often to the aquarium in the house of this way. However, there is also a risk of "bad" as feared hitchhikers Aptasia wet and anemones. These animals are similar to anemones desirable but smaller, less colorful and not host clownfish. They are also able to reproduce so rapidly that it can take over an aquarium together, tingling and kill Reef. Other hitchhiking mantis shrimp, a predator that can kill other shrimp, crabs, snails and even fish. "Bad" coral shrimp, crabs and snails Food can also be found in liverock like other "evil" hitchhikers.
About the Author
Reef Aquarium Maintenance and Service for the Virginia and Washington D.C. Area
Bowfront Saltwater Tank Aquarium 46 gallon Tang Clownfish Coral Live Rock