How much live rock and sand in a JBJ 12 DX

[NKlieman]

I'd like to get some feedback from the group on how many pounds of live rock and sand you have in your JBJ 12 DX.

I would also be interested in how you have your chambers configured.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[schnell76]

I bought the 16lb package from dr. fosters. Worked out well for me, but now it seems like it may be a bit too much rock. I have a few small pieces in the center compartment. Will probably put some more of it in there to free up more swimming space.

As for sand I bought a 20 lb bag and used about 3/4 of it. So, I would estimate 15lbs.

As for the back compartments. I only use one sponge in the first compartment to catch the big stuff (I also clean it weekly). Center compartment has the live rock rubble in it and a bag of chemi-pure (half unit). Third is just the stock pump, which I plan on upgrading here shortly. I would also suggest a hydro-flow for the return. Best ten bucks I ever spent on a tank

Hope this helps you out

 

[NKlieman]

Thanks for the input. I just installed the Hydroflo and upgraded to a MaxiJet 900. I hope to do a leak test shortly - I bought it used but was only 3 months old. I was estimating about 15 lbs of live rock but just wasn't sure on how many inches of sand I should have.

Did you seed you sand from another tank or buy live sand or just have your live rock seed you sand?

Again, thanks so much for your help.

 

[schnell76]

I bought the Agra-Alive sand from Dr. Fosters. Like I said I used about 3/4 of the bag and the sand bed is about one inch above the bottom black band on the tank. Cannot remember how tall that banding is, but I would guess about 2 inch sand bed total is what I have. Between the sand and the live rock I put in I did not think it was worth the cost for live sand. Once I seeded it with live rock I got a huge spike in everything and two days later it was all zero. That was almost two months ago and everything is still good.

I have been thinking about upgrading the pump as well. I was concerned about the 900 being too much flow for me so I will probably go with the 600. The small ricordias I have in there and the colony of zoos I have seem to be doing fine in the flow they have now so don't want to overpower them.

Does your hyrdo stay on with the 900? I was thinking it might be too much and just blow the hydro off the stock pipe.

 

[NKlieman]

I have not set the tank up yet but most people have told me that the 900 is a good match for the 12 DX. I know one person who super glued the Hydro and another used teflon tape around it. Once I do my leak test I'll see if it stays on and decide which way I want to go.

 

[schnell76]

I will have to teflon tape mine or drain it a bit and use some epoxy as well. Both good ideas. Mine loosens and comes off a bit just about every week with the stock pump, so I know it will blow off with an upgraded pump.

Thanks for the tip