What Are Live Rocks?

Salt water aquariums function differently than fresh water tanks. Live rocks are used in salt water aquariums to regulate chemical levels and create a homelike feel for the creatures residing in the tank. Live rocks vary in price and may be purchased at most aquarium care stores.

  1. Description

    • Live rocks are meant for use in a salt water aquarium. These rocks may be the base for a reef tank or used as decoration for non-reef tanks. As they are harvested from the ocean, they contain living organisms living inside them that may be beneficial to your tank. Crabs, corals and other creatures may already be living within the rocks when you purchase them for your tank.

    Collection

    • Because collection of live rocks was banned in the United States in 1997, they are generally acquired from islands in the South Pacific. Shipping live rocks from islands such as Fiji and Samoa is legal and inexpensive. Rocks are also harvested in the international waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida.

    Decay

    • Many live rocks are shipped over long distances, exposing the life contained inside to harmful elements. Sponges and other organisms, when in contact with oxygen, begin decaying almost immediately. As a result, you will more than likely experience some form of decay in your aquarium. It is normal to have at least a small amount of decomposition with your rocks when exposing them to a new environment.

    Treatment

    • Live rocks require treatment and care to thrive in your home aquarium. Decaying organisms, no matter how great or small the quantity, result in exposure to ammonia. This chemical is harmful to the rocks in your tank and any fish or other creatures living in the tank. To treat this chemical imbalance, you must isolate the rocks in another container and treat them with chemicals for several weeks, until the ammonia level has returned to normal.