How to tell if its live rock?

[NU-2reef]

Originally Posted by TAB

I am going to look at a members live rock, that's why I was asking. I have faith in the LFS that I deal with, but i don't want to pay $9/lb expecially when this is my first saltwater set up and I'm not ever sure if this is the hobby for me. I have a thing for fresh water but I think salt water is very nice to look at, so just getting my feet wet.

even by looking at it you wont know what hitchikers come with. parasites especially. i would never buy from a fellow reefer unless the rock has been nuked. ie bleached and processed to dry base rock.

the reason i mention base rock is because its inexpensive and dosent come with unwanted pests. and to any experienced reefer dealing with pests is a nightmare. many end up giving up and leaving the hobby all together.

just my 2 cents. take it how you want it