I'm finally setting up my 70 gallon marine tank. Right now I'm just trying to get the salt level correct. I visited the LPS and they said that Live Rock will really help my tank. I really don't want to add Live Rock and another LPS said it wasn't necessary. Which is best for the overall marine tank enviornment or does it all depend on the fish that I choose?
Live rock is dependant on what type of marine system you want to run...
If its a Fish Only (FO) system, then live rock is not needed at all. The next level up is called a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) and again, its a debatable point as to whether its is really needed. And lastly, there is the Reef. My opinion is that its neccesary as the live rock provides the back bone and ecosystem of what a reef will thrive on. In a reef, the live rock provides natural mechanical filtration and at the same time, it provides a habitat for the fish, inverts and coral to live, hide and possibly spawn if the conditions are correct..
So, my personal opinion is that if you dont want to have live rock in the system, then a Fish Only is the way forward..
In a fish only system, you can have any of the main stream fish that are readily available..
I think the live rock in my tank is my favorite part. Its full of little critters and i will actualy sit down to dinner in front of my tank just to see whats crawling around (My girlfriend is looking for a new boyfriend i think). I think i find new things everyday in my live rock.
I would suggest getting some small chunks of LR at least, I think its a nice bit of filtration, as well as an alternate food source for some fish (pods, etc)
You could also get a little bit of LR and a lot of much cheaper base rock and let the LR seed the BaseRock with all the bacteria and good goo from the LR.
Sorry to impose..lol. But I had texas holey rock when I kept cichlids. It cost me around $400, so I don't want to turn around and spend $500 on live rock. A guy at the local fish store said that eventually the coraline algea will form on it and it will look just like fiji. I imagine it is possible, but any experience with rock that isn't directly from the ocean?
Short answer: It is not needed. If you don't want it, don't get it.
Long answer: LR, although not needed, is a great benefit to your tank, and, if you can afford it, I'd definitely recommend it. It provides filtration, gives your tank a natural look, and also comes with a myriad of beneficial creatures that will help out your tank.
I think the live rock in my tank is my favorite part. Its full of little critters and i will actualy sit down to dinner in front of my tank just to see whats crawling around (My girlfriend is looking for a new boyfriend i think). I think i find new things everyday in my live rock.
Tell your girlfriend I'm available. Tell her I will not sit in front of the tank to see what's crawling around, during dinner time, but sit on the table and listen to her tell me about her day. But I might skip desert to go take a peek. Well it's an improvement.....:headbang2:
