Silly question about live rock

[sunni]

If you should have approx 1 lb live rock per gallon. Is this For tank water size or tank plus sump. How does light weight rock with lots of holes fit in. THANKS

 

[MinnFish]

Total volume of water. Weight is weight. That been said, light weight and porous rocks. Has more surface than dense rock. The more surface for beneficial bacteria to live on and in.

 

[OllieDog]

Lb per gallon is a very loose estimation, and by no means is it a requirement.

Pourous rock that is lighter, you can use much less, your just creating surface are for bacteria to grow. I've always only judged the tank volume, not the total volume, and it's still just a very rough guideline,

Simple fact is, get enough rock that it looks good to you, some people like packed tanks and some like minimalist.

 

[scott71]

As a reference. For a 65 gallon tank. If you take a piece of rock about the size of an avg mans hand and say 5" thick, to get 65 pounds (1 pound per gallon) you would need about 10-12 pieces. Hopefully this will give you a visual picture. Lighter rock is better with holes.

 

[sunni]

Thanks

 

[billdogg]

Hi Sunni! Remember me? (hint - Grant CCL)

As mentioned above - the more porus the rock is, the less total weight you will need. I prefer to use less rock in the DT, and instead use a good portion of my sump as a refugium filled with live rock. It's a great place for pods to grow to help feed the fish in the DT.

Happy to help with any issues you might run in to. Feel free to PM me if you want.

 

[cloak]

Here's a good article regarding live rock.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/feature/index.php

HTH.