[untamed]

Well...we can argue all day about the definition of "live" rock. My definition is different than most...which is why I think we should differentiate between live rock and bio-filtration rock.

In my opinion, the main goal of live rock is introduce a vast amount of life forms into the system. This is best done by the fastest, least damaging method of getting rock from ocean to healthy tank as fast as possible.

Further on that thought, this means that the rock should enter a system that has already cycled and is already capable of supporting a bio-load. Done this way, the rock will reward with an amazing abundance of life beyond algae.

A well outfitted garbage can is just an aquarium that has not yet cycled. Yes, some life can survive the cycling process, but the more interesting stuff cannot.