Live Rock That Is Dry

[cloud9]

Hey all! I'm new to this forum and saltwater aquariums but I'm really excited to get started! I want to use live rock as my filter. I have not checked out the local (very few) fish stores in my area, but I would imagine they would overcharge. So I was looking at ebay but all of the listings say "Dry live rock"...what does this mean? That it was once alive but now dry, I assume, but does that mean it still functions as a "live rock" with the bacteria? Please help me out! Thank you so much

Also want to add as an edit, if it doesn't function as live rock and the local fish stores don't have any (most cater to freshwater aquariums), what type of filter can I use and how much more water changes will I have to do? Can I use an AquaTech filter for instance? Wet/dry filters are really expensive and I'm not sure how to use the bioball type Does the filter have to have a built in place to place the balls? Thanks again.

 

[demasonisrule]

First off, welcome to TFF and the salty side!

Dry rock is exactly as you said...rock that was once live, but is now just rock. So no, it doesn't function as live rock with all the beneficial critters. However, if you were to put it in a tank with live rock, what would happen is eventually all the bacteria and critters would also start to spread out to the once dead/dry rock, making it live once again. This process can take time, however it will save you a boatload of cash in the long run. I'd honestly be surprised if you couldn't find live rock anywhere. Almost all LFS will sell it, and you only need a little. Also look for people breaking down their tanks, they will often sell their rock for cheap, and the rock you get from someone else who's had it for a while will be more established, so better in a way.

As far as other filters go, live rock is by far the best way, and pretty much a necessity if you want to keep coral. You may find it difficult if you go without LR, as you will find yourself cleaning filter pads nearly daily. Most filters other than live rock are pretty much considered nitrate traps in the salty world.

 

[seffieuk]

to TFF and the salty side of the forum

Where in the world are you located?

And what plans do you have for a tank, fish, corals etc?

We are very happy to help you start a new tank, in fact its what we love doing we can also offer you a buddy. If you would like one, just pop along to the Buddy request area and we will sort you out

Seffie x