Need suggestions on where to purchase live rock for starter

[Logic_Bomb]

tank. There are a couple of ok local dealers, but they are VERY expensive. Also, should I be looking at Figi or Florida liverock? I assume I should be looking for cured.

Online sources are ok, though I will take suggestions for anywhere in the Chicago Northshore or northern suburbs (Heck, as far as milwaukee is fine!)

 

[SnowManSnow]

by expesive do you mean $6 and under? Most LR in LFSs will be about that much.

As far as cured rock you CAN cure it yourself in your tank if you are setting up a new tank, just let it fully cure before adding inhabitants.


Fiji or Florida, either type is ok.. Different kinds will obviously yeild different looks. I like the fiji because it is nice and gnarled with lots of holes and so forth...

my 2 cents

B.

 

[garagebrian]

I used to live in Chicago and there was a SW store in skokie(I forget the name), but it is on Skokie Blvd near Old Orchard Mall. They used to have good prices ($3-$5 a lb) on live rock that had a decent amount of coralline algae on it. That was 4 years ago though.....they might not even be there anymore.

Online I would recommend TBS or www.floridaliverock.com, several friends have ordered from both and are happy. I JUST ordered from www.floridaliverock.com and am receiving it on Friday, I'll try to remember to let you know how it goes.

B.

 

[Logic_Bomb]

In answer to both of the above posters, most of the places around here have the Live Rock for around $10/.lb

The few that have it for less are almost all petco, and none of theirs looks particul healthy.

Yes I have been to to the Aquarium near Old Orchard. It is still there and had LR for about $9/.lb
If I can't find a better place locally or on the internet, that will be the place I will go. They're expensive, but at least their stuff looks vibrant and healthy.

 

[elreydelospesces]

I recently purchased some rock (and other things) from Premium Aquatics online. They are an excellent outfit. They have real time on-line help and good prices to boot. Their customer service and shipping are the best I've encountered. Highly reccomend you get your rock and other supplies from them. No I don't work for them but have been pretty impressed. www.premiumaquatics.com.

Another on-line supplier with good prices is drs. Foster and Smith but their quality is not as good.

Living Seas is in Park Ridge and they sell live rock but it is pricey and low quality but it is a fun place to browse. I wouldn't trust their advice though their salesman will sell you anything regardless of compatibility with your set up. Years ago they sold me an anenome that required very strong lighting, water quality and current. I had an undergravel filter and standard flourescents. Needless to say that anenome was doomed from the start. I've learned a bit more since then mostly thanks to this board.

 

[garagebrian]

I have to second premium aquatics, but I can't vouch for their quality of live rock. But when I lived in Chicago, I visited a friend in Indy and was able to visit premium aquatics. It was a great place with a friendly owner and great prices on dry goods. Plus the tax rate is a lot lower in Indiana

I think they still open one day a weekend for the public and if you like road trips you could pick out your own live rock!

B.

 

[Oceans Ferevh]

Just make sure you shop around before you buy, Live rock is expensive and you should get the best deal and quality you can find. It'll make a big difference in your tank.

 

[ChrisRD]

I'd also recommend Premium Aquatics. Their service and live rock are both very good. Excellent vendor and also a sponsor of the board.

 

[garagebrian]

I got my live rock in from floridaliverock.com and I would have to say I'm very happy with the rock. It has a LOT of life on it, especially the deco rock, lots of clams and anemones(and none of them look like aptasia).

The downside is I got a mantis shrimp(1 that I know of) and some carnivorous whelks, but hopefully I can catch those. To me it is worth the bad hitchhikers to have the good ones.

Tons of corraline algae and some small corals too, great service too, Dale called me the afternoon I got the rock and made sure I was happy with the service.

B.

 

[Basicsafty]

http://www.livingseaaquarium.com/

This place is in Park Ridge, and they supposedly have more species of fish/inverts than the Shedd Aquarium in house. Even if you don't buy anything its worth going just to look around. There really isnt and need to mail order unless you are getting a TBS package or something.

EDIT: I should probably read like 5 posts above me.

 

[tah532]

I just bought a large piece from aquariumarts.com, Marty was very helpful and aimed to please, plus if you read about there curing process, it seems much better then all the rest!

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, I dont know if this place is any good but the pricing seems to be better than the LFS...I cant attest to the quality of this LR but this is one of our sponsors..A direct link to the LR

http://www.saltycritter.com/liverock.htm