I was trying to be funny people...
Its actually a question I get often. Why do they call it live Rock?
The way I see it, because it brings to you a vast collection of life in the way of plant and animal, including invertebrate life. Some of this can make the exterior of the rock look quite attractive, but at the end of the day its the Bacteria colonies established within and on the surface of the rock that is your primary goal in the purchase of Live Rock. It is these bacteria colonies that help maintain your water quality by converting toxic ammonia to lesser toxin in the form of Nitrates, which can be removed via water changes long before they become deadly.
So can reg rock become Live Rock? sure! it may not look as cool, but the bacteria, will establish themselves on every surface making just about everything live (gravel, sand, decor ) but certain materials have much more surface area (which is good) and most quality Live Rock has this benefit , over lets say putting a bunch of slate in your tank.
Thats it, I go to bed now. Knowing someone in wonderland may read this and understand what they may be afraid to ask
