Live Rock Ethics Question

**Onefish-twofish** · 12-15-2012, 01:30 AM

Where does one get live rock or equivalent that was not taken from a reef?
The lady who I bought my tank from, and who I'll be going to for an anenome and fish said some man and his company were banned from the reef so he makes live rock from concrete?

**Cliff** · 12-15-2012, 01:38 AM

Some people make rock from concrete and then cure it before placing it in a already set-up aquarium. Another option (which I personally like very much) is to use eco-rock. This stuff is dry rock which is mined inland from ancient reef beds which are now miles and miles away from the ocean. No environment risk collecting and using this rock at all.

Both are great choices to limit the amount of live rock you will need to buy in order to cycle your aquarium

Have you kept anemones before ?

**Onefish-twofish** · 12-15-2012, 12:45 PM

Cliff, no I havent kept Anenomes before, but I have read your piece on them as well as your piece on sumps and plumbing. I have to say thank you and that I'm very impressed. The lady as mentioned before, that is here in my town works at our large indoor aquarium, is a breeder of clown fish and some others I'm unfamiliar with, and she also has her own website suzysreef.com. I am using the two of you as my sources of information because you both seem to have the same ideas/advice.

**Cliff** · 12-15-2012, 12:51 PM

There are a few companys that sell the dry rock from inland beds, but I can't seam to find the web sites right now.

I'll post them here when I do

**Cliff** · 12-15-2012, 12:57 PM

Here is one site that sells the dry rock I was mentioning. I have some of this rock in my set-ups and it is good quality rock

http://www.eco-reefer.com/

**kaybee** · 12-15-2012, 01:09 PM

Here's a site that offers aqua-cultured live rock:
http://tbsaltwater.com/

**Onefish-twofish** · 12-15-2012, 03:08 PM

One more quick question, How necessary is a protein skimmer and what would be a good one for only 40 gallons, the ones ive seen are for under 30 g or rated up to way more than I need.

**Cliff** · 12-15-2012, 07:33 PM

I always suggest protein skimmers as they will both help to keep you water parameters in line and help to maintain higher levels of oxygen in your water. If you take a look at the stuff a good quality skimmer puts in the skimmer cup, you will better understand my recommendation.

I have a Aqua C Ramora on a 40 gallon QT tank right now and I am very very impressed with it. It simple and darn near bullet proof. It's the best mid-price point HOB skimmer that I have tried.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaC_Rem...PSHOSI-vi.html

For a insump skimmer (as I can't remember if you are planning for a sump or not), I would recommend a vertex IN80. Great mid-price point skimmer. I am currently using a vertex right now and I am very happy with the crud it pulls out of the water.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/vt...0+Gallons.html