How much live rock?

[zeblisik]

Is the calculation for the amount of live rock based upon total system volume?

I read most people discussing how much live rock based upon the volume of their main tank... but if a person has a 200 gallon tank and 100 gallons in their sump, wouldnââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t this effect the calculations?

 

[scrmbld33]

really it depends on bioload, id go for the 1-2 pounds per gallon of the display,if it will be a heavily stocked tank you could add some to the sump/fuge

 

[zeblisik]

I have 90 gal total system volume w/ 2 inline fuges.
The main is 30 gal only.

One fuge will have a DSB and zooplankton. the other will be seagrass and/or alge with perhaps some seahorses.

At 2 times the volume of the main I'd have 60 lbs. But I guess it wouldnt be feasable to physically put more than that in a 30 gal aquarium.

 

[jdm01]

I have a 30g and a 90g. The 90g is a little over 1x system volume. It will grow over time. I am at the picky design stage now. The 30g is around 1x system volume. They both work fine.

 

[sunfishh]

What your goal? Why are you using live rock? Will it act as your bio filter, are you setting up a reef or is it just for decoration? These factors will all affect the amount of live rock you use.

 

[zeblisik]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7380991#post7380991 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sunfishh
What your goal? Why are you using live rock? Will it act as your bio filter, are you setting up a reef or is it just for decoration? These factors will all affect the amount of live rock you use.

To be used as bio filtration.

 

[zeblisik]

So when using LR for bio filtration how much should I use?

 

[fsa]

zeb, most people say between 1 to 2 pounds per gallon depending on the kind of rock you get. If it is very porous, then one pound is the suggestion. If not porous, but very dense, then people suggest 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per gallon of water.

I would not stick strictly to these parameters, but also base it on aesthetics/landscaping. I personally like quite a bit of swimming room for the fish which means less rock.

Frank

 

[Pete1399]

1 to 1.5 lbs per gallon for your display tank. You can only put so much LR in the display before it is too crowded.

 

[sunfishh]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7387720#post7387720 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pete1399
1 to 1.5 lbs per gallon for your display tank. You can only put so much LR in the display before it is too crowded.

If it looks too crowded then I would put some in the sump.

 

[zeblisik]

Pete and sunfish,

That makes perfect sense,
thanks.