how much live rock do you recommend

[msudawgs56]

hi all,

im looking at ordering some live rock for my 46 gallon bow.

I have no sump, i have a 4 inch deep sand bed. I want to have just a few small fish, mostly a reef. I need to know what you would suggest on the amount of pounds of live rock i need. I see anything from 1lb-2lbs per gallon.

how much should i get for a 46 bow..

thanks

 

[Paintbug]

1-1.5 lbs per gallon. 45-70lbs

 

[BurntOutReefer]

depends on the rock also.....you'll need more FIJI then you would Lalo....but you should be safe with using 1.5 per as a guide

 

[Wryknow]

It depends a little bit on the rock. Standard recommendations is 1 to 1.5 lbs per gallon. m You need less of the better quality live rock because it is more porous than a poorer quality, more dense, live rock. If I were you then I think that I would just start off with a 44 - 50 lb box and try aquascaping with it. If you need more then buy a little more and add it in. It will prolong your cycle by a little bit but it will probably be worth it. I used Marinedepotlive.com's premium fiji on my 30 gallon tank and was pretty pleased with what I got for the price. There's a lot of other vendors that get good reviews though so shop around. A full 88 lb box will probably make your tank pretty crowded.

 

[eckrynock]

I tend to agree with Wryknow. Start off with 1lb per gallon and work your way up if necessary. Especially since you don't have a sump to put any extra rock you don't want in the display.

 

[fish lad]

ditto on above

 

[ryguy76]

i am setting up the exact same tank as you (46G bow) and i have ordered a 50 lbs box of Vanuatu rock which is said to be very porous and light. My LFS said that 70 lbs would be probably too much for our size tank.

ryan

 

[msudawgs56]

thanks for all the fast replies..really appreciate it