How much live rock do I need?

DalPal25 · Jun 30, 2016

I have a 40 gallon cube and my LFS guy was telling me 15 pounds will do. But another guy at the same fish store believes you need much more. Who do I believe? I'm sure it varies on what your needs are so if someone could give me a rundown of the pros/cons of each method that would be very helpful.

Pg513 · Jun 30, 2016

The typical "rule" is a pound to a pound and a half per gallon. However, it typically just depends on how porous the rock is.

I would go more than 15 pounds though.

Spanky05 · Jun 30, 2016

I searched for this answer for a long, long time when I was setting up my 29 cube.

The info I found was similar to what Pg513 mentioned, 1-1.5 per. I ordered from Tampa Bay LR package and have 30 lbs of LR in my 29 cube.

If I was doing it over, I would order about half of that. It ultimately depends on the density of the rock, though.

I'd recommend ordering the 15lbs, set it up and then decide if you want more.

Patience in all things :)