Rocks/Sand-Marco Rock Order

[Flame Angel]

These questions are in no reflection of the vendor. Let’s face it, rocks are rocks and what you do with them or how you place them is the difference.

Well I am ready to start biting the bullet and getting this 180g moving.

I am in the process of purchasing some Marco Rock before the Cyber Monday sale ends.

Just curious how others have made out as I just really do not know what to expect and do not like purchasing things sight unseen.

I am thinking of getting the combo of 75#rock with 160# sand with another 50#box of rock giving me 125# total rock. I know I have about another 50# rock laying around the house and in the tank I am using to seed the 180g.

Based upon your experiences will I find enough useful pieces in the shipment to make a decent rock formation? So I guess do you find there is enough variety in the box of rock to do something with?

Should I purchase shelf rock or do you think what comes in the box will be enough to do what I want and be happy with it.

After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Or in short you have to have that artistic bone in your body.

 

[Jocko]

Marco rock is very textured/bumpy/prickly not sure what to call it. Basically, it has a tendency to interlock with itself quite well. So in that regard it's great for creating a variety of interesting formations. You could get some of his mortar stuff if you want to be able to get a little crazier with things.

If you specifically want to incorporate a shelf somewhere, you could get some shelf rock I guess.

 

[MikeG]

Rock is not rock!!!

There is a HUGE difference in quality of rock available. We use rock for biological filtration, therefore the available surface area on the rock has a direct impact on the amount of rock needed to support the livestock we choose to keep. Porus rock has a much higher surface area than dense rock, and marcos rock is one of the most porus I have ever seen.

 

[Ruge13]

+1 for Marco, I got more than I needed and came with large pieces. As others have said, VERY porous. I was very happy with it. I got enough for a 180g even though I didn't need that much. I still had plenty left over for my sump, fuge, and frag tank. I don't think you will be disappointed. I'd order a bit more than you need, cherry pick what you want, then sell or trade the rest off or save it for a sump etc. People are always looking for good base rock.

 

[Flame Angel]

Rock is not rock!!!

There is a HUGE difference in quality of rock available. We use rock for biological filtration, therefore the available surface area on the rock has a direct impact on the amount of rock needed to support the livestock we choose to keep. Porus rock has a much higher surface area than dense rock, and marcos rock is one of the most porus I have ever seen.

I agree, I was more so making the statement in regards to the ability to make something look good out of it. Not refering to is biological benefits.

 

[sizzle]

I just ordered more rock from Marco on Friday. I love there base rock, always get one to two good football sized rocks per 50lbs. The other rocks vary from the more slender long rocks, to softball thick rocks. Actually I have some of their rocks from my 90 I kept. Shoot me a PM with email address and I will send a photo over to you.

 

[inverted]

It's very porous and light. Also, it does not seem to need curing unlike some other dry rock, which is reported still need curing. Actually, most of the rock in my 93g cube is from marco rocks. There is about 50# plus maybe 25# or so of other generic rocks. Just realize that the entire structure is hollow though. Looking from the center, the entire mid section is a large arch, with two pillars, one to each side; sorry, this never comes out good in photos though.

http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?115181-Inverted-Reef

 

[inverted]

Hey, I found a pick from when I first set up the tank.. This should give a better idea. There are two big rocks in the front, that are a bit more brown than the others, those are other generic rocks I had laying around. The rest of the rock is 50# of marco key largo rock.

 

[MikeG]

Also, it does not seem to need curing unlike some other dry rock, which is reported still need curing.

I have had shipment go either way, some going in the tank and seeing no cycle and some going in and having some real nasty water for about a month. This is with his dry rock only. I think he also now sells precured rock too.

 

[inverted]

I have had shipment go either way, some going in the tank and seeing no cycle and some going in and having some real nasty water for about a month. This is with his dry rock only. I think he also now sells precured rock too.

Good to know. I'm sure i didn't buy pre-cured. I did cure it, but never saw a spike in parameters. Others I've talked to have reported the same, but certainly could depend on where he dug it up from that week

 

[Flame Angel]

Well lets see how it goes. I placed the order last night to take advantage of the 20% Cyber Monday sale.

Knowing that I do not have an artistic bone in my body... I may have to get my daughter involved on this project now.

Anyone have any ideas on covering up the twin overflows on the back panel of glass... or is this a no, no?

Maybe just stacking the rock infront will do.