Can live rock in a saltwater tank die completely?

Answer by  StingRay (471)

Yes, Live rock is like any other organism and can die. If it completely dies, it will poison you tank and should be removed due to the dead matter inside. However, you need quite a bad tank to kill live rock.

Answer by  mb (5482)

I think that you are referring to a species of coral known as Living Rock. Yes, it can and will die completely. Coral is kind of like a plant. It stays in one place and filters nutrients out of the water to live and to create its exoskeleton. Without constant fresh water (unlike in a aquarium) it will die.

Answer by  Tabatha (440)

No. If you add a piece of new 'live' rock in the tank with the 'dead' rock, the bacteria and microorganisms will reproduce and cover the old 'dead' rock.