I am all for doing your own collection. Those who give you a hard time aren't really thinking the idea all the way through. It is much better to obtain your own specimens/rock if you can as it is actually better for the OVERALL environment. BUTTTTT like one poster said. The rock in port a is worthless. Its not porous enough. If you really want to go cheap go pick some porous lime stone for the hill country and leech/cure it in a tank. I have a few large pieces I am no longer using if you want them.