The foundation of a living reef
Why Ocean Farmed Live Rock
Natural biodiversity you cannot manufacture overnight. A thriving reef begins with a thriving ecosystem.
What is ocean farmed live rock?
Natural quarried or man-made rock, planted on a licensed parcel of ocean farmland. TBS rock has been soaking anywhere from six months to thirty years. Over that time it transforms into a living reef habitat that hosts diverse micro and macro lifeforms — not only on the outside, but inside the rock as well.
Bacteria, worms, sponges, tunicates, bivalves, algae, shrimp, crabs, coralline and corals are some of what you will find on TBS live rock. These organisms provide biological filtration and a natural environment for marine aquariums.
Base rock
- Plain on the exterior — the same rock, without the showpiece surface life.
- Grows just as long — the same or similar soak time as Premium.
- Best for — cycling new tanks, or seeding a mature one.
Premium rock
- Larger lifeforms on the exterior — colorful filter feeders and corals.
- Best for — post-cycled or mature tanks.
- Not for cycling — the life on it is too delicate for a new tank.
It's truly alive
- Living community — introduces a diverse variety of lifeforms.
- Biodiversity — brings in microfauna and organisms you cannot buy in a bottle.
- Unexpected discoveries — new organisms emerge over time.
- Living color and texture — coralline, sponges, tunicates and other marine life create a vibrant reef.
Better habitat. Healthier inhabitants.
- Refuge — ocean farmed rock gives fish and invertebrates places to hide.
- Food web — supports pods and other microorganisms as a food source.
- Natural environment — encourages the behaviors associated with a complex reef habitat.
- The result — reduced stress, and healthier inhabitants.
Natural reef aquascape
- Multiple sizes — from nano to massive tanks.
- Diverse — every piece offers unique shapes, textures and marine life.
- Nature's design — build an aquascape that looks and functions like a natural reef.
Biological filtration
- Beneficial bacteria — helps process ammonia and support water quality.
- Nutrient processing — micro and macroorganisms break down organic matter.
- Habitat for growth — provides surfaces for macroalgae.
Matures new tanks quickly
- Adds established life — microbial communities and biodiversity from day one.
- Biological maturation — properly handled live rock establishes quickly.
- Living ecosystem — combined with appropriate equipment and husbandry, TBS products lay the foundation for a thriving reef.
Easier maintenance
- Micro clean-up crew — pods and other small organisms working constantly.
- Macro filter feeders — clear debris from the water column.
- Diverse living ecosystem — adds biological functions that dry rock must develop over time.
Ocean farmed rock and dry rock
Both end up as structure in your tank. What differs is what arrives, and how much of the biology you have to build yourself.
| Ocean farmed live rock | Dry rock | |
|---|---|---|
| What arrives | A living community — coralline, sponges, tunicates, worms, pods | Sterile mineral structure |
| Biological filtration | Established bacteria, through the whole rock | Developed over time, seeded from a bottle |
| Clean-up crew | Pods and micro organisms included | Bought separately |
| Aquascape | Every piece a different shape and texture | Uniform, often needs shaping |
| Price per pound | Higher | Lower |
