In addition to launching their live rock replacement Vida Rock, CeramEco has also develoepd techniques for producing large handmade ceramic reefscapes and “backgrounds”. Since the withdrawal of Reef Ceramics from the American aquarium market, there has been a void of ceramic reef structures available to reef aquarists but these new pieces from Cerameco are not only more interesting, but they are also more porous and much more affordable. For now the large ceramic structures are all custom made by hand which require a 4-6 week lead time but it is well worth the wait. Unlike live rock which will absorb and release nutrients and harbor unwanted algae spores, aiptasia and other undesirable hitch hikers, Cerameco Reef Structures are shipped nearly sterile and they will last much longer than live rock. The pricing of the rock will retail for about $5-6 per pound which is quite a deal when you consider that the rock can be shipped at a regular rate. A custom made 18″ x 12″ structure weighing 20lbs would only set you back about $125-150, quite a deal when you consider how much more volume the rock will occupy and the intricacy and complexity of the structure. We’ll be trying out some of the Vida Rock in some of our upcoming showcase reefs, additional pics of the larger Vida Rock after the break.
