Yup, didn't even come close to killing my hitchhikers. Saw two nudis on the glass today (probably ones I've seen before, but they're still alive, which is amazing). I think the Kanai rock is the best bang for your buck around right now, mine is really beginning to look great now that the algae has died off. I am seeing coraline growth on my base rock as well. I think some of the hitchhiking snails are breeding, because I am seeing more and more small snails of a variety of types.

Re: Killed/Cured Rock
 

Initially, I was skeptical as well. The description says "good corraline coverage". To me this looks more like minimal coverage. But, it does have some bubble macro algae ( the good kind ), caulerpa, feathre dusters, and evidence of other things. Then most people said it's good rock so I was satisfied. But once again, I'm not sure of the quality of rock they sent me.

You know what, I just looked at their posted pictures on the website. This looks equivalent to the "Aqua Cultured" rock. It has nowhere near the corralline coverage shown in their picture. Except, there is that exception again, there were other encrusted critters on it that would been needed to be growing for months to get to that size. Unless they sold me aqua cultured rock and called it ultra premium.

Please let me know your final opinions. Then I will decide whether to make a complaint or not.

It is better than aqua cultured, although I've seen some nice aquaculture(Walt smith) I would buy it more for it's shape and conservation value than the organisms on it.

feather dusters are a given, and could have attached to the rock from their holding tank. sponges, polyps, and macro algae other than a sprig of caulerpa seem to be missing. I know that rock varies but when I think "ultra" I think of nicer rock than this.

first they are large "SHOW" chunks which a lot of places refur to as ultra, second they have a fair amount of coraline on them and have been totaly picked clean of nusance algae. (or at least they look like it) I have even seen J&L describe simular sounding stuff as "ultra" or "show quality" as well as other places on the island besides hillside.. there it is just all "premium" :mrgreen:

Steve

I guess those pices of rock could be considered ultra premium, but it depends on who you ask? There is no standardized grading for live rock and super duper ultra premium fancy pancy live rock can simply be base rock with abit of coraline coverage, or a piece with a cave in it... as far as being large pieces, I think they are very average sized, when I get show size rock it is usually atleast 50+lbs each piece, some pieces are over 100lbs each. Those look like your average 7-15lb 5 pin bowling ball pieces. Also uncurred rock is not usually harvested from the ocean and sent to you, it is laid out on the beach and sprayed with high pressure water hoses to rinse it off and if you saw the stuff that they rinsed off you would cry. Not all rock is rinsed though, one type of rock that I get is called lagoon rock and it comes covered in stuff, it is also covered in mud and fine sand so its a pain to clean but it is beautiful when cleaned.

One last time. This is what their website states:

Does the picture match the words :question:

Can I make a suggestion? Jayson has a great reputation based on the feedback of previous customers posting here. If you have questions/concerns, call him and talk to him about it. I'm sure you'll get a satisfactory resolution.

I think so, it seems to have decent coralline coverage. I don't see any macro algae, sponges or other beneficial organisms but the pics are kind of foggy and I bet after like a week or so you'll see all sorts of things cropping up or resurrecting themselves. Its really hard to make a call unless you can see just premium grade or regular grade. When one calls something "ultra premium" you would think they're comparing it to something else and perhaps they have a scale to work with. I would be happy with it if I had ordered it. What kind of things were you expecting?

JMHO,

Christy :)

Since I don't have any basis for comparison, not much experience with buying LR, to what "ultra premium" is supposed to actually look like I want to be sure whether I even need to lodge a "complaint".

Mainly, smaller pieces, more corraline coverage, and a better variety of the encrusting algae. On the balancing side I got some Caulerpa that survived. Some bubble macro algae but it looks like it's not going to make it. Have seen some pods, worms, snails, feather dusters, and a bristleworm or two mozying about. Haven't seen any sponges or polyps etc. I think I'll give it a week and see what else pops up.