Live rock

[Novas2017]

I understand harvesting live rock from the ocean is bad. But suppose I collect small pieces from the beach, could I still use it in my tank after quarantine and cycling?

[GunslingerGirl]

Not recommended. You don't know what was in that water.....think BP spill and human trash degrading.

[squamptonbc]

I wouldn't collect anything from the beach, the beach zone will have the highest levels of pollutants, there is also a legality issue, it may not be legal to do so depending on where you live.

 

Buy live rock from a reputable source lots of ocean cultured options that are friendly to the environment, or dry rock/tank cultured rock, but you get the best bio diversity (and possible pests) from rock that was cultured in the ocean. Really depends what your going for and preferences.

[Saltydude]

The main problem is pollutants specially from agricultural and horticultural nutrient / pesticide run offs from rivers coasts are where it's really polluted.

Theirs no legality issue (go out at night with a pick) jk

Dry rock is my perferance and get a cheap bottle of bio spira (bacteria bio diversity solved) and no pests.

If you really want to go get some give it a bleach bath then wash it really well and dry it for a couple of weeks.

It's probbly easier to go get some dry rock.

[Clown79]

I had a few pieces of small liverock and dried coral from the ocean.

 

I did a vinegar bath and used them but they are small pieces.

 

Many advised it was fine as long as they were cleaned.