Live Rox again

[Chucky]

How much water does a lb of live rock actually process in an hour? Has anyone been able to make a good guesstimate?

My lfs has been doing reef tanks with only live rock, a protein skimmer, crushed coral substrate, and usual water changes, and the system has been running well for a few years.

Could this system work as well on a 10 gallon Nano?

 

[Tackett]

yes, that system will work in any size tank. Fancy equipment is not needed with good reefing habits.

 

[Anonymous]

A protein skimmer would be tough on a 10g, although not impossible. I'm not sure what you are saying in your first question, Chucky.

In any event, water changes are key, imho.

 

[Chucky]

Well, since your live rock processes water like a filter, I'm wondering how much water it 'processes' per hour. Also, what does live rock really do? Does it work the Nitrogen cycle? Does it absorb anything else?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering how much water it 'processes' per hour.

Wow, I don't have any idea.

Also, what does live rock really do? Does it work the Nitrogen cycle?

It contains bacteria that breaks down ammonia and nitrite.

Does it absorb anything else?

I've heard stories of LR absorbing phosphates and nitrates, but I'm not sure about that.

Glad I could be of so little help.

 

[ChrisRD]

How much water does a lb of live rock actually process in an hour?

There's no real definitive answer - too many variables. Don't worry too much about this because if you're using anything near the quantities commonly found in modern reef tanks you'll have more than enough for filtration purposes - especially if you're also using a skimmer.

My lfs has been doing reef tanks with only live rock, a protein skimmer, crushed coral substrate, and usual water changes, and the system has been running well for a few years.

Could this system work as well on a 10 gallon Nano?

Yes, but I'd recommend vacuuming the crushed coral regularly or using a different substrate.

 

[ChrisRD]

Also, what does live rock really do? Does it work the Nitrogen cycle? Does it absorb anything else?

Different forms of bacteria live on and within the rock that reduce ammonia to nitrite then nitrate then nitrogen gas which ultimately dissipates out of the system.