Yea, I agree its kinda costly but keep in mind that the ceramics are dry rock, not encrusted with living things and filled with water so it is alot lighter than traditional live rock. You would have the same filtration function with much less rock. For example 100lbs. of Fiji live rock which would cost you about $180 probably has about 15-20lbs. of organic matter, water, etc... 75lbs. of ceramic rock would probably be equivalent. Also, you have absolutely no hitchhikers. Ceramic rock can be put together in interlocking designs that give you complete freedom to create any reefscape without worrying about collapse and the use of adhesives. Plus, they come in the coolest tower structures. I've actually stepped up and decided to go with a 84"x38"x30" 450gal. display. I'm looking at only needing about 400-500lbs. of rock as opposed to around 900lbs. traditionally. The cost difference would only be $100.
