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LFS and their live rock...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by chiSOX, Jan 6, 2010.

  1. Jan 6, 2010 #1
    chiSOX

    chiSOX Inactive User

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    Hi I am from the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area and am looking for some quality live rock. As most of you probably know there isn't much of a saltwater selection in the area. I am looking to acquire a few pieces of live rock probably this weekend. I am not in need of any base rock or any real large quantity of rock. I am looking for around #20 lbs or so. I just need a few quality smaller pieces of live rock... preferably fully cured. I am looking at going to either the CR/IC area (DM area if need be)... I called a few stores today most had $6.00 Fiji. $9-10/lb. Tonga & Bali rock etc... I know I could save myself some $$$ by checking the forums here and buying off individuals. My real question here is what stores in the area have the nicest live rock in terms of coraline coverage etc etc etc... I don't want to go to one store in town that has rock with minimal color when there is another across town with twice as much as is booming with life. What are your suggested stores for buying live rock around here.. Thanks!!!
    Brad.
     
  2. Jan 6, 2010 #2
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

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    Brad, where exactly in the area are you from? I live by 16th and Olive in Cedar Falls and I should have some extra rock I could sell you for cheap. I just moved and I'm upgrading to a 125 next week, so I'll know how much extra I have by then.

    A suggestion I have for you is to pay the small $20 it takes to be a paid GIRS Member. Becoming a paid member will allow you access to the Club Member Forums, where sometimes there are more "exclusive" deals on people selling things. Also, we will be doing a tank tour in a month or two where you can check out other peoples tanks and meet people in the area. We allow non-paid members a one-time pass to come along on the tank tour to see the benefits of joining the club.

    Couple questions:

    What size tank is this for?
    Is it setup yet? (has it been running, are there fish in it...)
    Does it need to be cured?
    What size pieces are you looking for?

    -Adam
     
  3. Jan 6, 2010 #3
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

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    Also, I just wanted to add that you can get some really nice rock for cheap online. My favorite sites are Marco Rocks and Bulk Reef Supply. When purchasing online you'll have to cure it for up to a month, depending on what you order.
     
  4. Jan 6, 2010 #4
    chiSOX

    chiSOX Inactive User

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    Hey I live in Cedar Falls too.

    I previously had a 125 and 75 FOWLR but due to space restrictions now I am going to try my hand at a 20 gal nano reef.
    The tank has only been up for 1.5-2 weeks. Only thing in there is the saltwater, live sand and 10-12 lbs of base rock
    As for the rock it doesn't necessarily need to be cured as I have NO fish in the tank. I am in no hurry and plan to take my time. However, I prefer it to be.
    As for sizes.. i'd say smaller pieces. Maybe a medium piece or two. Probably between 4-6 inches.
    Reason I ask about LFS rock is because I plan on going to IC this weekend (fri or sat) to see some buddies and wouldn't mind looking around and seeing what some places have to offer for selection on my way back.

    Brad
     
  5. Jan 6, 2010 #5
    chiSOX

    chiSOX Inactive User

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    Yes i've done a lot of looking around online. I've heard excellent things about Premium Aquatics and a few other places. It seems like they offer some quality live rock. My only concern is due to the quantity I need is it worth justifying the price of overnight shipping for that little of rock? The other thing I would be concerned about is the sub zero temperature around here. Would that cause substantial die off before the shipment arrived?
     
  6. Jan 6, 2010 #6
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

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    Yea I wouldn't bother ordering online if you're only looking for 20 pounds. I'll keep you in mind when I'm going through my rock. I should have some nice, small pieces.

    Are you planning on running a sump in this tank? If so, I would think about getting the tank drilled for an overflow box while you don't have any livestock in it. It would save you a lot of headache with hang on the back overflow boxes. I'm pretty sure 20 gallon tanks aren't tempered, but even if they are I'd buy a new piece of glass and drill a hole in it.
     
  7. Jan 7, 2010 #7
    jsprague

    jsprague

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    I have some BRS Pukani and Marco Rock.  I have more than I want in my sump.  would sell $3/lb its fully cured.  It is the premium rock that's very porous and light and about 150lbs to choose from.  I live in blue grass.
     
  8. Jan 7, 2010 #8
    fmsill Cedar Falls

    fmsill Well-Known ReefKeeper

    445
    Cedar Falls
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    The fish shack in manchester usually sells good fiji rock for $5 per lb. Its abought 45 min east of cf. Im not sure how much they have right now but their number is 563-927-5581
     
  9. Jan 7, 2010 #9
    vikubz Cedar Falls

    vikubz Well-Known ReefKeeper

    734
    Cedar Falls
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    I have some cured sitting in a rubbermaid tub that I just took out of my sump. Probably 15 to 20 pounds. $3 a lb seems to be the going rate. I'm in CF if you want to shoot me a PM.

     
  10. Jan 7, 2010 #10
    Matt

    Matt Inactive User

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    I need to find some smaller stuff like rubble me and gered are looking for some so if any of you guys are near Ames and Des Moines let me know Im intrested in finding some.
     

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