How much Live Rock

[GiantBen]

Hi all. I am new to RC, but have had my reef tank for about two years, and have frequented another reef forum during that time. I'm going to start diversifying my forum reading, so here I am.

I have a BC29 with a 20" NEP. I have removed the BioBalls in the BioCube and have a media rack with ChemiPure-Elite, Purigen and filter floss in it.

I've recently been drawn to the spread out and open look that a larger footprint, shallow tank offers. I think a 36x24x12 would be awesome. Unfortunatley, I don't think I'll be able to buy a tank like this for some time unless something comes up on craigslist or here when I get my 50 posts

So, I've been thinking about rescaping my BC29 with less live rock, but am not sure that this is a good idea. I've been told 1.5lbs per gallon, but bioload seems like it should be the primary factor. I've got a bunch of coral, a cleaner shrimp and a clown.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? If I went down to like 15lbs of LR am I just asking for trouble? I assume the consequences of too little LR are increased Ammonia and Nitrites, since the bio filter can't turn these into Nitrates fast enough?


Thanks!

 

[seapug]

Some people might disagree, but if the tank is healthy and stable, I don't think it will be a problem to remove some of the rocks. I've done it many times in my tanks and it's never caused any problems, but it never hurts to take it slow by removing one or two each week. If the tank is loaded with rock, it might actually improve the tank by allowing better circulation.

There's often a lot of detritus that gets kicked up when rearranging the scape so following up with a water change is always a good idea, too.

 

[Allmost]

+1 ^^^^

it also depends on the bioload, and how poronus (SP.) the rocks are !

if the tank is established, then ammonia to nitrate transfer is done everywhere, including sand and glass and equipments and Rock of course. I would be more worried about no3 build up (as glass and shallow sand and equipment surface lack the ability to turn no3 to gasses.)

 

[GiantBen]

Thanks guys. I'll see if I can visualize how I want things, and a way to do it incrmentally. I also have one (very) large rock that has a large hollow chamber in it. Smashing this up might be a good way to compact things more. When I first got my rock I was avoiding smashing it up, because that can't be undone. Now, I don't care so much

Maybe I'll get a picture of the tank up here and see if you guys have any suggestions.