Is tufa rock OK for reefs?

[SA]

Hi all,

I have a question regarding tufa rock. I have set up a nano reef (20gl) with
18lbs of live rock. The problem I am faced with is that it seems that the
tank can use some more rock work. Since it is difficult (unless someone can
point me to a source) to purchase small quantities of live rock, and
40-80lbs will probably be too much for me to fit in the tank, is it ok to
substitute with tufa rock as a space filler and hope that nothing bad will
happen.

Has anyone tried tufa rock in their reefs before, my small research shows
conflicting results. Some people like the idea some others don't, but there
are no supporting evidence of either preference.

As always thanks for any responses.

Steve

[j]

SA wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have a question regarding tufa rock. I have set up a nano reef (20gl) with
> 18lbs of live rock. The problem I am faced with is that it seems that the
> tank can use some more rock work. Since it is difficult (unless someone can
> point me to a source) to purchase small quantities of live rock, and
> 40-80lbs will probably be too much for me to fit in the tank, is it ok to
> substitute with tufa rock as a space filler and hope that nothing bad will
> happen.
>
> Has anyone tried tufa rock in their reefs before, my small research shows
> conflicting results. Some people like the idea some others don't, but there
> are no supporting evidence of either preference.
>
> As always thanks for any responses.
>
> Steve

I've done tanks using tuffa with no ill effects. However I've since
began using "dead" live rock for base rock mixed in with live rock. The
rock is much cheaper than live rock and in no time it will become
beautifully encrusted with the desirable coraline algaes. Not to
mention, in time, it will become more alive than tuffa could ever be -
providing much needed water filtering capabilities.

[SA]

Excellent point. I did not think of that... possibly because I can recall
outfits that might sell it online. Do you have any references where "dead"
rock can be purchased of? I do agree with you on your assertion of the
future benefits of the rock.

Thanks for the insight and I'd appreciate any links.

Kind regards.

Steve

using tuffa with no ill effects. However I've since
> began using "dead" live rock for base rock mixed in with live rock. The
> rock is much cheaper than live rock and in no time it will become
> beautifully encrusted with the desirable coraline algaes.

[Toni]

"SA" > wrote in message
...
> Excellent point. I did not think of that... possibly because I can recall
> outfits that might sell it online. Do you have any references where "dead"
> rock can be purchased of? I do agree with you on your assertion of the
> future benefits of the rock.
>
> Thanks for the insight and I'd appreciate any links.



"Reef Bones" http://tinyurl.com/67lec



--
Toni
http://www.cearbhaill.com/reef.htm

[Toni]

"Toni" > wrote in message news:...
>
> "Reef Bones" http://tinyurl.com/67lec
>


Here are more at a better price
http://aquariumplant.com/cgi-bin/cart/SS008.html



--
Toni
http://www.cearbhaill.com/reef.htm

[PaulB]

There used to be some places that sold by the pound, probably still are if
you look.

This place will do as little as 10 pounds.

http://www.aquacon.com/index.html




"SA" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> I have a question regarding tufa rock. I have set up a nano reef (20gl)
> with
> 18lbs of live rock. The problem I am faced with is that it seems that the
> tank can use some more rock work. Since it is difficult (unless someone
> can
> point me to a source) to purchase small quantities of live rock, and
> 40-80lbs will probably be too much for me to fit in the tank, is it ok to
> substitute with tufa rock as a space filler and hope that nothing bad will
> happen.
>
> Has anyone tried tufa rock in their reefs before, my small research shows
> conflicting results. Some people like the idea some others don't, but
> there
> are no supporting evidence of either preference.
>
> As always thanks for any responses.
>
> Steve
>
>

[Rbogath]

Tufa Rock works fine...

RandalB