1. Kaitlyn Gregory

2.  Live rock is not alive, it’s based off of the things living on it.  Used in reef tanks  Named based on where it is found  It is made of calcium carbonate skeletons of long dead corals, or other calcareous organisms. What is it?

3. Aquaculture rock?  Aquaculture companies culture live rock for certain periods of time.  Weeks to months – depends on curing process  Allows for things to grow on it  Based on the type of tank you have, you get your rock from a certain area.  Want perfect amount for tank  Some companies use the ocean as it’s office, while other will use tanks with florescent lights to cultivate live rock.

4.  Get off of reefs  Banned to get your own in Florida  http://youtu.be/4FkpYj44Q80 http://youtu.be/4FkpYj44Q80 Easy to make

5.  http://youtu.be/uDkGUkLQnaE http://youtu.be/uDkGUkLQnaE  Cured or uncured  No taxonomy Types

6.  Live rock needs has bad bacteria or things on it.  This process gets them acclimated to the aquatic area it will be placed in.  Siphon water to clean/remove bad stuff  Could take a few days to a month  Once the water is clear and looks healthy, your rock is cured Curing process

7. Timeline 6 months5 years

8.  Live rock is a place for nitrifying bacteria to live.  The nitrifying bacteria preform the nitrification process (converting ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate)  Ammonia is bad for the fish and other organisms living in the aquarium. Can lead to death. What does it do?

9.  Life rock have to go through the curing process  Without curing, the bacteria on live rock can die and give off ammonia.  The curing process removes dead or decaying material so more resilient species can flourish.  There can be hitchhikers that live on or in rock that can kill other animals in aquarium Can it be harmful?

10. Hitchhikers  If not cured properly, they can stay on rock and do harm to tank:  Worms  Mantis shrimp  Algae  Sponges  Apitasia  Snails

11.  It depends where you get it and how much you need  Once owner buys rock, it’s easy to maintain.  It keeps the owner from having to buy more expensive equipment  Having the rock takes care of keeping organisms in tank happy and alive  If cultured right Cost?