Does TBS package HAVE to equal tank gallons?

[DamonH]

My original plan was to just aquire a 30 gallon, and get the TBS 30 gallon package. I've found a used 100 gallon tank however, and am contemplating just getting it. The TBS package for the 100g is a bit tough on the budget. Can I get the 100 gallon tank, then do something like just get a 50 gallon TBS package now, and add another 50 gallon TBS package later so as not to have to spend as much up front?

Thanks,
DamonH

 

[hdtran]

I've got a 120 with the 55 package + 1 extra killer rock. No problem at all.

I actually like the more open look with a lower rock density (145# of rock in a 120). Very happy; chemistry good, fish happy, corals happy (added a zoanthid and a Briareum star polyp, as if I needed more color )

 

[shanekennedy]

got a 75g tank w/ 50g package. wanted to leave a little room to grow if i saw a way-cool rock in lfs.

 

[Bruddah Chrispy]

I got a 40g package for my 55g. In retrospect, I wish I had gotten a few more pounds.

 

[tonyh67]

The impression I get, is that Richard at TBS is recommending a specific way of running a saltwater tank. In order to accomplish his simple method, I think you need to have his suggested amount of live sand, live rock, and critters.

I have thought the same thing, I would like a bigger tank than the 29 gallon I am going to set up. But being a newbie, I want to go about it Richards way, and the 29 gallon is about all I can afford. He seems to be very knowledgeable, experienced, and appears to provide a stellar product.

 

[DamonH]

The impression I get, is that Richard at TBS is recommending a specific way of running a saltwater tank. In order to accomplish his simple method, I think you need to have his suggested amount of live sand, live rock, and critters.

That was my impression too, I was just hoping I was wrong. I'm now thinking I'll just split the diff in sizes and get a 58g.

 

[wooglin]

It wont hurt to have less rock. You just end up with a higher amount of water to dilute waste product. If you get alot of fish, then its a different story. They you may need to add rock to accomplish extra denitrification. Its all about how much stuff needs to be processed by your nitrogen system. If you buy a 50 gallon package and put it in a 100 gallon tank, stock the tank fish wise as if you have a 50. Keep in mind that the sand that comes with a 50 gallon package is not enough to cover a larger tank, so order more sand.

 

[landlord]

I got the 75 gal package and have since moved 15 pounds out to another tank. I found that aquascaping options became limited because of too much good rock.

If all our problems were this bad life would be great!!!

-landlord