How Much Live Rock?

[jabberkaycee]

I’m setting up a new tank, UNS R90. The display is approximately 62 gallons, 90 gallons overall. I plan on purchasing all life rock. How much would you recommend? It’s been a minute since I’ve set up a tank, and I don’t recall what the recommended guideline is.

 

[BriDroid]

I’ve read 1 pound per gallon. When I setup my 40 breeder, I ordered 40 pounds of Marco Rock. I was sent a hair over 50 pounds. I used all but one smallish piece. Honestly I could have used more if I had it.

 

[Fish Fan]

The title of your post says "live rock", but the body of your post says "life rock". Are you using the CaribbSea purple Life Rock, or real, wet live rock from a good LFS or mariculture facility like Tampa Bay Saltwater. I'd recommended using real live rock, not Life Rock, which is just a dry rock painted purple.

I think the old rule was 1 to 2 pounds per gallon, but that depends entirely on how dense the rock is, and some rock are more dense than others. That's also for a really well packed tank full of rock, and I think most reefers now prefer a more minimal rockscape.

I would suggest getting a little extra, especially if using relatively inexpensive dry rock. This way, you can have a nice mix of rock shapes and sizes to make a nice aquascape. Maybe purchase 1.5 pounds per gallon, and expect to use slightly less, might be a good place to start.

Good luck with your build!

 

[jabberkaycee]

I’ve read 1 pound per gallon. When I setup my 40 breeder, I ordered 40 pounds of Marco Rock. I was sent a hair over 50 pounds. I used all but one smallish piece. Honestly I could have used more if I had it.

Thank you! That was exactly what I was thinking, but was unsure if it applied to only the display area or if the sump volume should be included into that factor as well

 

[jabberkaycee]

The title of your post says "live rock, but the body of your post says "life rock". Are you using the CaribbSea purple Life Rock, or real, wet live rock from a good LFS or mariculture facility like Tampa Bay Saltwater. I'd recommended using real live rock, not Life Rock, which is just a dry rock painted purple.

I think the old rule was 1 to 2 pounds per gallon, but that depends entirely on how dense the rock is, and some rock are more dense than others. That's also for a really well packed tank full of rock, and I think most reefers now prefer a more minimal rockscape.

I would suggest getting a little extra, especially if using relatively inexpensive dry rock. This way, you can have a nice mix of rock shapes and sizes to make a nice aquascape. Maybe purchase 1.5 pounds per gallon, and expect to use slightly less, might be a good place to start.

Good luck with your build!

Yeah, life was a misspell. I talk my text and it doesn’t always come out as planned - lol. I’m using all live rock from my LFS. They’ve always been my go to with my past tanks, and they have live rock in stock. I’m going to look at it tomorrow. If I don’t like what I see, Tampa Bay is my backup.

Thanks for the feedback, I think 1 1/2 pounds per gallon is a good compromise.

 

[SantaMonica Verified Sponsor]

1 pound per gallon, if nothing specific is needed.