Live rock is of absolute paramount importance
in either fish only or coral reef eco-systems. Live rock becomes
the main biological nitrification base or biological filter of
a saltwater aquarium. In both instances, live rock provides the beneficial organisms for proper
water management and for the longevity of delicate live stock
species.
To better understand what purpose live rock
serves in an aquarium, There was a great article titled "Your
First Reef Aquarium", published in Aquarium USA Magazine
in 1994 by Charles Delbeek. In this article he explains it beautifully:
"The use of live rock immediately introduces into the aquarium
numerous algae, bacteria and small invertebrates all of which
contribute to the overall quality of the aquarium water. Live
rock has just as much, if not more, surface area for bacteria
than a trickle filter. Since live rock in the aquarium contains
various types of bacteria, algae and corals, waste products such
as ammonia, nitrate and phosphate can have a number of fates.
Ammonia, nitrate and phosphate are readily assimilated by algae
and photosynthetic corals growing on and in the rock. Ammonia
can also be quickly converted into nitrate by the bacteria on
and in the rock. This nitrate can be either absorbed by the algae
and corals, or it can be denitrified by bacteria in close proximity
to the nitrate producing bacteria."
A second important point in understanding
the need for live rock in saltwater aquariums has to do with
looking at the natural habitat of saltwater fish. In doing so,
we see that since it is there natural home, it is of major importance
to incorporate live rock into the saltwater aquarium. When we
duplicate the saltwater fish natural environment they will adjust
far better to their new foreign environment, which will mean
less stress, less disease, and longer life.
If you have further questions concerning the
need for live rock, do not hesitate to send us a question: customerservice@aquacon.com |