Live Rock - Best amount for happy medium between swimming room and aquascaping?

[pammy]

Hello All.

Setting up my first Saltwater Tank. What amount of Live Rock do you feel is the best amount for bio filtration and aquascaping but still leaving plenty of swim room for the fish? I'm just wondering if 2 lbs live rock per gallon is too much and will leave too little swim room. I am looking at purchasing a 54g bowfront corner tank. I know....probably not the best shape, and bigger would be better, but if I want it in a spot where I can see it and enjoy it in the room I spend 90% of my time in, that's the shape and size tank I need. Tampa Bay Saltwater recommends 2 lbs per gallon, but is 110 lbs of rock going to just take over a 54g bowfront corner after you start adding soft corals etc? Would 1.25 or 1.50 lbs per gallon be better?

Thanks!
Pam

[James983]

I have 150 lbs in a 150 gal. I wanted an more natural look and not just a pile of rocks. All LR is not equal. The cheaper rock will weigh more and take up less space. I have mostly Marshall Island rock. It has good mass without having much weight. It works for me, but I'm sure others will advocate 2 lbs per gal.

[sabodish]

i have a little less than 1 pound per gallon in my 170 cube. its pukani and pretty light weight. if you get lighter rock, id say 1 pound per gallon is nice, for something like fiji, you will probably need 1.5 pounds/gallon.

[nyvp]

buy all dead but a few pcs and save huge

[SDguy]

I have all Fiji rock. Quite light. I only used about 90lbs or less in my 115g. Lots of room for fish and corals. I learned my lesson with my last tank about adding too much rock. Three years later I couldn't clean the glass anymore due to coral growth.

[virginiadiver69]

2lbs per gal sounds a little much. It does depend on the rock though. Gulf coast cultured will weigh alot more than Marshal Island or Fiji Pukani. I think the 1 to 1.5 lb per gal is a good start. Beware of the person taht isselling you the the rock saying you need 2 lbs per gal.

[James983]

My tank w/150 lbs. Plenty of swimming room.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/120762P1230039.JPG

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9162550#post9162550 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nyvp
buy all dead but a few pcs and save huge

I second that.


Less is more, IMO, with live rock. Less rock means better flow, which means better skimmer performance. It also means less detritus, and more swimming room.

[SptfireXIV]

I've got about 60 lbs in my 75 and to me it looks just right
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/VicSkimmr/Reef%20Tanks/90%20Gallon%20Acrylic/Livestock/DSCN4150.jpg

[pammy]

Thank you all for your input. I thought 110lbs for a 55lb tank seemed like a lot. I definitely don't want a reef that takes over my tank. I'm interested in the fish first....reef second. Although after seeing what people do with their reefs....it's pretty amazing!I think I'll start with about 70lbs in a 55g tank (1.25 lbs per gallon) and I can always add more if I think it's not enough. It is gulf coat rock, so maybe it is a lot heavier (Tampa Bay Saltwater)
I'm so impressed with the pictures of their rock that people have posted in this forum.

Happy Reefing!
Pam

[Sway_A_Way]

i think u will be happy w/ 70lbs. in a 54 corner i think there is alittle less choices in making aquascapes but that seems like a good amount to start w/. and like u said u can always add more. or cherry pick very nice peices from LFS's.