At first glance, it seems impossible…growing live rocks? What is that all about? As silly as it sounds, live rocks represent the future of the aquarium trade. Live rocks, unlike desk-friendly “pet rocks,” are large pieces of limestone and dead coral pieces that are home to a variety of bacteria and algae species. These live rocks are the basis for new aquarium systems called minireefs. Minireefs are unlike other freshwater or saltwater aquariums in that they are completely self-contained ecosystems. That means no feeding or filtering required. Instead, the bacteria and algae species living in the rocks are natural filters, biologically improving water quality. In addition, these organisms act as the first link in the food chain of this small ecosystem. Minireefs are also home to colorful marine fish and invertebrates, the popular inhabitants for all home aquaria.

Initially, “wild” live rocks were harvested from oceans and bays. Due to their high productivity, coral reefs were generally the targets for live rock harvesting. Not only were reefs being negatively impacted by harmful methods of collecting such as toxic chemicals, explosives and crowbars but they were also declining in numbers due to extensive harvesting. In response to this decline, the Federal government prohibited the harvesting of “wild” live rock in 1997. The demand for live rock, however, did not disappear and to fulfill this growing demand, the live rock aquaculture trade was born. Aquaculturists generally grow aquatic and marine organisms such as fish, shrimp or shellfish for commercial sale. Through aquaculture, scientists have created an ecologically friendly way of providing live rock to consumers.

Since growing live rock is a relatively new science, research studies are being performed to determine the best ways to grow and manage live rock. One of the schools featuring such a program is Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. Under the direction of Professor Bill Falls, the program manager for the Aquaculture Program, students are learning about the optimal conditions for growing their own live rocks. Students quickly learn throughout the study period that growing live rock can be challenging.

By researching an efficient way to grow live rocks, these scientists are protecting our oceans and waterways by providing an alternative to collecting “wild” live rock. Because of their efforts, live reefs will be protected from illegal harvesting and may have the opportunity to survive in the future. To learn more about the Aquaculture Program at Hillsborough Community College, visit their website at http://brandon.hcc.cc.fl.us/academics/aquaculture/.