Using base rock

[sphelps]

You can use 100% base rock if you'd like. It'll take longer to fully establish but realistically there isn't really a difference. Just use a quality base rock though, some of the more common stuff is pretty dense and could be a disadvantage in that sense.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by sphelps

realistically there isn't really a difference.

Of course there's a difference. Live rock is full of critters and bacteria that you're just not going to get in dry rock.
Obviously to each their own, but IMO, quality live rock is the foundation of a quality reef.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Of course there's a difference. Live rock is full of critters and bacteria that you're just not going to get in dry rock.
Obviously to each their own, but IMO, quality live rock is the foundation of a quality reef.

Critters? Like what and for what purpose? Bacteria and zooplankton are easily introduced, typically on there own.

[NU-2reef]

If you use part base rock and part live you can still expect to see pests. For example I used all dry rock for my new tank and only 5lbs of live rock from a trusted lfs. I set the rock in the tank and continued to let it cure with live rock for several months, 5 to be exact. One morning I turn the lights on and aiptasia everywhere! On my glass sand and rocks. Great, I'm screwed!....Nah,peppermint shrimp killed em all in one night.

Lesson learned. Go all dry rock and get a bit of live sand from a reefer friend you trust. The rest is patience.