Live rock

Along with live sand, it confers to the closed marine system multiple benefits desired by the saltwater aquarium hobbyist.

Live rock harbors a wide variety of corals, algae, sponges, and other invertebrates, when they are collected.

Excess ammonia, nitrate, and phosphates are eliminated with the help of the algae and corals growing on the live rock's surface, while other bacteria supplement the process and restore balance in the water chemistry.

[1] Additionally, live rocks have a stabilizing effect on the water chemistry, in particular on helping to maintain constant pH by release of calcium carbonate.

Lastly, live rock, especially when encrusted with multiple species of coralline algae (producing differing colors), becomes a major decorative element of the aquarium and provides shelter for the inhabitants.

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.

A large amount of live rock comes from the Southern Pacific region, in areas such as Fiji, Tonga, and the Marshall Islands, as well as from the Caribbean.

Recently base rock that is mined from inland ancient reefs has become a popular way to keep the aquarium trade going sustainably.