Live Rock....
- Thread starter ZackGraham
- Start date
You are going to get a bunch of different answers here 
From what I hear, it all depends on the type of rock - lighter, more porous rock provides better filtration then denser rock (like homemade agrocrete and such).
I have 140# in my 125gallon tank.. not going to put anymore unless I come across a really sweet looking piece at the lfs 8)
From what I hear, it all depends on the type of rock - lighter, more porous rock provides better filtration then denser rock (like homemade agrocrete and such).
I have 140# in my 125gallon tank.. not going to put anymore unless I come across a really sweet looking piece at the lfs 8)
I agree - it can vary widely depending on the type of rock you're going to get. In general, the Pacific stuff is lighter and less dense than the aquacultured stuff, but even the same types of rock can vary in density from piece to piece.
With many of the light, porous Pacific rocks you could use less than 1 pound per gallon and still have adequate filttration and pleny of rock (visually) - especially if you're going to have a DSB and a skimmer. OTOH, with some of the denser aquacultured stuff you could easily use 2 pounds per gallon.
What type of rock did you have in mind?
With many of the light, porous Pacific rocks you could use less than 1 pound per gallon and still have adequate filttration and pleny of rock (visually) - especially if you're going to have a DSB and a skimmer. OTOH, with some of the denser aquacultured stuff you could easily use 2 pounds per gallon.
What type of rock did you have in mind?
Zach,
I have Fiji Pacific rock in my tanks and it averages out to about 1 lbs per gallon. While I do not have any Marshall Island rock and no first hand experience, I am told it is lighter than the Fiji. You could, I expect, plan to use even less than 1 lbs per gallon.
A very good point was made about a DSB. Dr. Ron recommends at least 4 inches. With all of that sand taking up all of that space, you are left with, oh, at least 80% to 85% of the tank for water. (Even less space if you want to go 6 inches or more for a DSB.)
HTH
I have Fiji Pacific rock in my tanks and it averages out to about 1 lbs per gallon. While I do not have any Marshall Island rock and no first hand experience, I am told it is lighter than the Fiji. You could, I expect, plan to use even less than 1 lbs per gallon.
A very good point was made about a DSB. Dr. Ron recommends at least 4 inches. With all of that sand taking up all of that space, you are left with, oh, at least 80% to 85% of the tank for water. (Even less space if you want to go 6 inches or more for a DSB.)
HTH
Some prefer to stock the tank full of rocks, some like me like just a few show pieces in the main tank, leaving most of the uninteresing rocks to the sump.
If you are buying from the LFS, then you don't need to buy them according to any frigging rules. Just a few pieces, and see how you like the way it looks in the tank. Then get a few more pieces later, and a few more later. Stocking the tank should be an art, not a chore......
But, if you are buying rocks from MO, Well, I'd suggest you order just a few to start off, like 3/4 Lb per gallon. Stocking LR one week or two apart won't significantly impact the cycling schedule. LR are expensive. You don't want to get too much and end up with a piece or 2 rocks that are too expensive to throw away.
If you are buying from the LFS, then you don't need to buy them according to any frigging rules. Just a few pieces, and see how you like the way it looks in the tank. Then get a few more pieces later, and a few more later. Stocking the tank should be an art, not a chore......
But, if you are buying rocks from MO, Well, I'd suggest you order just a few to start off, like 3/4 Lb per gallon. Stocking LR one week or two apart won't significantly impact the cycling schedule. LR are expensive. You don't want to get too much and end up with a piece or 2 rocks that are too expensive to throw away.
i agree with John D..Although new at this hobby myself...i use Fiji LR...and it averages to about a Lb per gal...But to be on the safe side, i would keep it between1-2lbs a gallon..But im sure your tank will do fine at a lb a gal...and like everyone else said, its gonna come down to where the rock is from..???
8)
8)
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