MarcoRock is an affordable quarried dry rock that you can use to create a highly functional, biologically rich aquascape in your saltwater aquarium. Although the rock is not pulled from wild ocean reefs, it is actually mined limestone that was created on ancient reefs thousands of years ago, so it carries similar properties to naturally harvested live rock.
Once cycled into an aquarium, MarcoRock Reef Saver Dry Rock will provide a functional habitat for all of your aquatic pets and serve as a biological substrate for beneficial bacteria and a variety of other microorganisms to thrive upon. The rough texture is also an ideal foundation for corals, macroalgae, and various other organisms that may attach to or encrust upon the rock's surfaces.
Its porous texture creates a vast network of surface area and interlocking cavities that allow the rock to be securely stacked when constructing aquascapes. MarcoRock can also easily be broken down into smaller chunks with a simple hammer and chisel so you can accommodate a variety of different applications.
Best for the main structure of the aquascape.
Best for overhangs and coral platforms.
Best for stable base layer when building custom rockwork.
Best for a mature reef look from day one.
Set the footprint of your aquascape with flat-bottom rocks for long-term stability.
Build height and swim-throughs while keeping the aquascape visually open.
Add platforms for coral placement and finalize the shape of the aquascape.
Get your rock work looking exactly how you'd like it before adding water. Optionally, use MarcoRocks mortar, super glue, and/or epoxy to lock everything into place.
These tools help solidify your rock structures, hide joints, and dial in the final look of your aquascape.
E-Marco-400 Aquascaping Mortar permanently bonds rock structures.
MR Coralline Dry Rock Colorant restores coralline color to fresh cuts.
NSA Powder helps hide seams and reinforce joints.
Question: How Much Rock Do I Need for a Saltwater Aquarium?
The short answer is we generally recommend around 1 lb of Reef Saver rock per gallon of water volume.
If you really are picky, or plan to build an intricate aquascape, you might opt to order closer to 1.5 lbs per gallon so you've got more options to work with. It's always better to have more rock than you need vs. not having enough to complete your aquascape.
Question: Do I Need to Cure Reef Saver Rock Before Using It?
You don't need to cure MarcoRocks rock in the traditional sense. MarcoRocks is dry and pest-free. Because it wasn't harvested from the ocean, there is no dead organic matter on its surface.
Many reefers will opt to simply rinse it thoroughly to remove any dust. Some reefers go a step further and soak or pre-cycle the rock in saltwater before adding it to an existing system. For new setups, you can do this right in the aquarium before adding livestock.
Question: Can Reef Saver Rock be Broken Into Smaller Pieces?
Absolutely, yes!
This is one of our favorite rock types for custom NSA or HNSA style aquascapes. You can easily break the rock with a hammer and chisel, then assemble the pieces into a custom aquascape using the E-Marco 400 Mortar, epoxy, super glue, or a combination.
If you're using the Coralline rock, we recommend picking up a bottle of the MR Coralline Colorant to touch up any areas where you've broken the rock apart.
Question: Do I Need to Glue or Mortar MarcoRocks Together?
Not Always.
Many pieces, especially the standard Reef Saver rock, will lock together naturally. But for custom structures, arches, or overhangs, super glue or mortar might be necessary.
Question: Can I Add MarcoRocks to an Established Aquarium?
Yes!
If you're adding Reef Saver rock to an existing system, we recommend giving it a thorough rinse to remove any dust. It's also a good idea to soak the rock in heated saltwater for a few weeks beforehand, if you can.
Question: How Long Does it Take to Become Live Rock?
"Live Rock" isn't actually rock that's living. This term refers to the beneficial bacteria and other organisms that colonize on the rock's surface over time.
MarcoRocks starts as dry, pest-free rock, so it needs time in a running aquarium to develop beneficial bacteria, microfauna, and other natural growth like coralline algae. In most reef tanks, the rock will function biologically as live rock within 4 to 8 weeks as bacteria is established during the initial tank cycling process.
With over 25 years of experience keeping aquariums of all kinds, Robert has a detailed understanding of advanced aquarium techniques and theory. Working as a professional content creator in the saltwater aquarium industry for over 18 years, his perspective, thoughtfulness for the hobbyist, and a general understanding of the hobby, and industry that surrounds it, allows Robert to write and create digestible content that makes reefing fun and easy.
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Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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