Live rock has many benefits to a marine fish aquarium while providing a touch of natural beauty. Live rock acts as a natural filtration system and creates an environment for algae, small invertebrates, and natural bacteria, which are all beneficial to the aquarium, to grow. In addition these small inhabitants provide a more natural environment for the fish in the aquarium, contributing to their overall health and well-being.
Live rock is generally coral that has broken off from large pieces of living coral. When placed inside a saltwater aquarium, microscopic bacteria, algae, and tiny bacteria begin to grow. These organisms immediately begin to act as a natural filter in the aquarium, making an artificial filter unnecessary and seemingly intrusive. The organisms, occurring naturally in the rock, help to convert the ammonia in the water into nitrate. Nitrate is far less harmful and in fact contributes to water health and quality and makes the water more suitable for salt water fish. In addition live rock eliminates the common problem of clogging that most artificial filters have. Live rock also does away with the task of cleaning the filter, which is unnecessary as it occurs naturally due to the small organisms the rock fosters. Live rock in this ways acts as a natural filter that is creates an environment that is sound and healthy for the aquarium’s inhabitants.
In addition, live rock provide natural shelter for the creatures in the aquarium. It’s natural holes and niches provide what fish would naturally find in their environment and allows them to participate in activities that are the most basic of fish behaviors. The natural environment created by the live rock also helps to acclimatize new creatures, fish and invertebrates alike, to the aquarium environment causing a reduction in stress for them and the current inhabitants, helping all to enjoy greater health. Also, the small, microorganisms that live rock fosters also lend themselves to the growth of certain larger organisms such as worms, that the fish and other creatures in the aquarium can use as a natural source of food in addition to what they receive.
Live rock provides an all natural filter to a saltwater aquarium that also creates a positive and healthy environment for the inhabitants of the tank while beautifying the aquarium in the process. Live rock fosters small microorganisms that act as filters and balance the chemistry of the water making artificial filters unnecessary and intrusive. In addition live rock eliminates many of the issues that come with artificial filters such as clogging and cleaning. Lastly live rock helps to foster a natural environment for fish to hide, play, and even find natural food sources. Live rock is a positive addition to any saltwater aquarium.