Uncured live rock...

[Jimbo]

Hi all

Cured vs. Uncured. Is it worth the trouble to get uncured and cure it? Do you get alot more diversity of life forms this way? I read some posts that said that you should not have your lights on while curing it. Seems to me this might kill any animals that need light to survive. Will uncured rock seed your sand bed better?

[beach bum]

It depends!

I think you have to try an uncured batch at least once - just to see!

I got a batch of uncured Fiji from FFE once as well as a batch of pre-cured. Well, their pre-cured should be called uncured and their uncured should be called stinky, nasty-ass, dying sponge rock! Both did produce nice amounts of life in the following months though.

BUT, I just got 40lbs of uncured Marshall Island from Jeff's Exotic Fish yesterday (2.79 per lb) and wOw!! This rock is awesome! Iasked them for a couple larger pieces without a lot of rubble, and the box contained 3 rocks - that's it! less than a half pound of rubble, one rock weighs 25lbs, one 12lbs, and one 2-3lbs.

I think if you are getting it from a good source, go uncured.
fwiw,
chris

Here is a pick of the 12lb piece - good stuff!

[Doug1]

Unless you by LR locally and are sure its been tanked long enough to cycle, its all uncured. Prices via MO re attractive but factor in shipping and what you get is what you get, may be good deal on base rock and source the better show rock locally where you can choose the peices that strike your fancy. Figure out what you need and how much and ask aroundand see what kinda deal you come up with. I suspect there are at least a couple stores in your local that will take pity on you being a member of this board

[Jimbo]

Yes,

I'm certainly going to check out a local LFS, one said they would match prices and I would rather put the money locally.

[beach bum]

Buying locally is always the best option IMO, especially for your centerpiece type pieces. Be sure and ask about bulk prices, most LFS will go lower if they know you will be buying 50lbs!