Live Rock....Just say no?

[In Deep Water]

Good day everyone. Ive recently set up a 30gallon long saltwater tank. I first started off with 35lbs for the set up. A few days later I took a trip to the LFS and just HAD to buy 7lbs more. I got home and after putting in I thought I was done with my LR. Well, just so happens I head off to LFS with a friend so he can get some coral. All the while not intending to make a purchase off rock. Long story short....I end up with 18lbs more. Question is..without making the tank look like a rock garden...is there a max pound per gallon type measurment with LR? Thanks!

 

[crazy4salt]

It's done, when it suits you. Everyone has a different idea of what they like.

 

[Ruskin]

The general rule is 1-1.5 lbs/gallon. But it does depend on the density of the rock. I bought 25-30lbs for my 24g and used most of it. I just stopped when I had the look i was going for.

I dont envy your wallet tho, if Live Rock has you hooked!

 

[ionredline0260]

I would think if the fish have no swimming room you have too much.

 

[jayghmi]

I am new to the saltwater hobby - running with just live rock (with a couple of crabs) for 8 weeks now. I have the same problem! Everytime I go to the LFS I see one more piece that I have to have!

I have so much stuff coming out of my rock - It is already cooler than any of my Fresh Water.

 

[papagimp]

I'm sure you have probably priced live rock online at some point and seen the wide variety available to hobbyiest. Different types from different locations have their own characteristics, so depending on the type of aquascaping you like, choose the rock accordingly. If you like the way less rock looks, get the lighter more porous rock as it'll filter better. If you like a large amount of rock, as I do, then you can get plenty of base rock and cherry pick the nice pieces to fill in. So many options and such a lack of willpower within the hobby, good luck! lol.


but fyi, you can't really "overfilter" the tank by adding too much rock. As long as you have the minimum required to filter and fish have room to swim, you're okay. The rest is purely asthetic.

 

[In Deep Water]

Once Ive added 60lbs to the 30 long do I have to account for the volume of space lost when I purchase livestock? For instance some species have min space requirements.

 

[bsaastad]

Also, think about what you're going to add. A common newbie - I don't want to say "mistake" - let's say miscalculation is to fail to allow for coral growth. Get the look you want, but make sure to leave enough open space for not only your new additions, but room for them to expand into.

 

[darkwolf29a]

If I understand this right, not to further the hijack..but, you are suggesting that less would better than too much? Or am I reading it wrong?

I have heard the 2 pound rule, i.e. 2 pounds of LR per gallon of tank. I'm thinking that's a bit much myself, as I would end up with 110 pounds of rock in my tank.

If it's a space thing, I have seen ways to lessen the weight, but still take up the room.

Sorry to hijack, but I think this is a cool issue to think about.

 

[Scooter12ga]

Don't forget that any corals or frags that you get will probably come with rock attached to them so make sure you leave room for them.

Worst case - take some out and start a new tank

 

[In Deep Water]

I may start a 10 gallon qt tank.

 

[Abynum1]

I wouldnt think you would want to put live rock in a qt tank.
If you buy a fish w/parasites then they would hide/live in the live rock awaiting the next new arrival.

 

[snuggle2me]

Keep getting more rock and use it as an excuse for getting that bigger tank you've been eyeing at the lfs

 

[old salty]

Since setting up my tank, I have probably removed about 75 lbs of rock/base rock through different stages. As the corals continue to grow, I will be removing even more (I'm growing a reef, not a rock.) To each his own, of course. I'm simply stating that I had lots of rock (as you do) at one time and it has slowly dwindled.