Aquacultured Live Rock

Kaitlyn Gregory

Live rock is not alive, it’s based off of the things living on it.

Used in reef tanks Named based on where it is found It is made of calcium carbonate skeletons of

long dead corals, or other calcareous organisms.

What is it?

Aquaculture rock? Aquaculture companies

culture live rock for certain periods of time.

Weeks to months – depends on curing process

Allows for things to grow on it Based on the type of tank you

have, you get your rock from a certain area.

Want perfect amount for tank Some companies use the

ocean as it’s office, while other will use tanks with florescent lights to cultivate live rock.

Get off of reefs Banned to get your own in Florida http://youtu.be/4FkpYj44Q80

Easy to make

http://youtu.be/uDkGUkLQnaE Cured or uncured

No taxonomy

Types

Live rock needs has bad bacteria or things on it.

This process gets them acclimated to the aquatic area it will be placed in.

Siphon water to clean/remove bad stuff Could take a few days to a month Once the water is clear and looks healthy,

your rock is cured

Curing process

Timeline

6 months 5 years

Live rock is a place for nitrifying bacteria to live.

The nitrifying bacteria preform the nitrification process (converting ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate)

Ammonia is bad for the fish and other organisms living in the aquarium. Can lead to death.

What does it do?

Life rock have to go through the curing process

Without curing, the bacteria on live rock can die and give off ammonia.

The curing process removes dead or decaying material so more resilient species can flourish. There can be hitchhikers that live on or in rock that can kill other animals in aquarium

Can it be harmful?

Hitchhikers If not cured properly,

they can stay on rock and do harm to tank: Worms Mantis shrimp Algae Sponges Apitasia Snails

It depends where you get it and how much you need

Once owner buys rock, it’s easy to maintain.

It keeps the owner from having to buy more expensive equipment

Having the rock takes care of keeping organisms in tank happy and alive

If cultured right

Cost?