When choosing LR, what do you look for?

[kgoldy]

When setting up my first tank (BC29HQI), I made the mistake of buying rocks that were a little too large for a nano... So instead of having a bunch of small rocks I could have a bunch of scape options with, I have 4 mondo sized rocks that pretty much only fit one way. Oops. Haha.

Well, now I'm setting up a 75RR, and want to do it right the first time.

I've got two high powered LED units, two MP-40es', and a nice 30B fuge I'm working on (still looking for a skimmer), so I'm going to have a SPS ready tank...

So my question is focusing on the LR. What size and shapes do you look for in a 75RR tank that's going to have SPS and some LPS? I know everyone's different, so I'm just looking for your favorite way of doing things, and why. Thanks!

P.S. Also- does the RR part (drain and return section) affect your calculations on how much rock per gallon to use?

 

[albano]

...Well, now I'm setting up a 75RR, ...so I'm going to have a SPS ready tank...

What size and shapes do you look for ...

P.S. Also- does the RR part (drain and return section) affect your calculations on how much rock per gallon to use?

If this is a new tank, its not "SPS ready"!...you still have to wait!

Get various sizes and shapes, so you can have more 'design' options!

That lbs per gallon 'formula' is JUST a guideline, and is basically useless! Buy some rock, if you need more, buy more!

 

[HHaase]

If it's got a lot of algae on it, keep on walkin. Otherwise you'll just enjoy fighting it in your own tank.

-Hans

 

[kgoldy]

...Didn't mean I wasn't going to let it cycle and everything... Don't worry, I'm not going to throw a bunch of coral in there for quite a while. Months before "SPS ready", I'm sure. I just meant that's the direction I'm going.

 

[dubs]

get a mix if u can some branch some shelf ect so u can play with the scape till u get some thing that u like

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Look at other build threads also, and the use of acrylic rods.

 

[BrooklynReef]

Got any pics of that ChemChef?

 

[NYreefNoob]

Look at other build threads also, and the use of acrylic rods

+1
most of the rock i have in my system has been collected over the years, took me around 150-200 lbs to end up with what i have, i use to always if at a lfs see a odd ball rock or rock i figured i could use in the scheme of things in my tank grab it for when i was ready

 

[Master Shake]

what ever you want it to look like is how much you need, if you dont like a lot then dont get that much if you like a full tank then stock up on lr, i look for shape and structure of the rock, one with bunch of holes and crevices to stick corals

 

[Mattl22]

Look for tonga branches they come in handy