"grades" of fiji

Well, since the rock is all in one tank, one of the big differences between the grades will be eliminated--the hitch hikers will migrate onto all the rock available. With encrusting life forms, you should be able to see the difference--the better stuff will have more variety and types of life, in better shape and larger colonies. Base rock generally has nothink bigger than bacteria, while the higher grades should increase. If you don't see the difference, don't bother getting the pricier stuff, and maybe look around for another source.

For the dried stuff---yes, you will need to scrub off a lot of the dried organisms. Hard coral skeletons should be okay, but anything organic will begin decaying and cause problems. I'm surprised this stuff doesn't stink already!

I respectfully disagree. Since the base rock is in with the LR, put it directly into your tank; I would not clean it.

I do not know where the different grades of LR come from unless the dealer grades it himself on shape and life. Almost all LR from fiji comes from one collector - Walt Smith. To my knowledge he does not seperate the rock by grades.

"also they have smaller rocks sold as "base rock" in with the live rock, would these be a good investment vs. dry lace rock?"

Depends on price difference. For base rock also check these places:

www.tampabaysaltwater.com

www.gulf-view.com

www.hirocks.com

Ray

The cleaning was for the dried lace rock. Anything that is in the water should be fine, but rock that had algae growing on it and was dried should be cleaned. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

Sorry OrionGirl, I miss read it.

Ray