How Much Rock???

mlreef

mlreef

Active member
Currently I have around 450 - 500 lbs of rock. I setup a mock aqua-scape and it looked tiny compared to the dimensions of the tank.

How much rock would you put in a 450 display?

I only have room for about 100 lbs in the sump. Most of my rock is Pukani.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Personally, I think the more rock the better as long as it looks natural. I like having 2-3 times the lbs per gallon when I can make it look right. I have over 100 lbs in my 55 gallon right now, and will probably add more.
 
Less is more in my opinion. In a tank that size you could get really creative with the aquascape and negative space instead of the classic rock wall. Get it in there and see how you like it, but I would think you have enough to get you started. We would love to see pics as you set it up too!
 
You put as much as it takes to make the aquascape look natural and visually appealing. Don't worry about the whole lb/gal thing, as there is a lot of very light and porous rock that has much more surface area than heavy dense rock that does not provide much actual surface for bacteria to grow. I suggest with such a large tank to look at LOTS of natural ocean reefs in pictures and videos and try to imitate a look that your family will enjoy looking at daily.
 
i seen one large tank 3 something with some really cool colums its open looked great and gave the large fish a place to swim personally a tank that size is gonna look sweet ethier way good luck sounds really close to water being put in huh
 
I like to fit as much rock into a system as humanly possible whether it be in the tank, sump, refugium (I use rubble in the fuge) whatever. You can't have too much and the more the better for biological filtration, microfauna, and your fish. While we like looking at minimalistic aquascapes, your fish appreciate more hiding places, caves, etc. Obviously whatever is in your display tank should look nice to you though and have good space for coral grow out.
 
It all depends on your personal preference what you want to achieve.I personally like less rock in DT making it in to small islands.It helps with water flow and less detritus settles under it.Some people prefer as much as possible. Put 100 Ibs in your sump and whatever you feel looks good in your tank.There will be enough biological filtration ,believe me,and also with your new big skimmer helping I would not worry about nutrients in your tank.Good luck ,I am sure you will make it look great.
 
A system that big should be pretty stable no matter how much rock you put in it so start building and see where it takes you good luck can't wait to see pic's
 
I think there is a lot of personal preference here... Put in whatever you think looks good to you.

I like a little less rock to start which allows plenty of room for acquisitions and room for fish. As you buy coral you will also likely add more rock. Also depending on the type of tank you are wanting you may want more flow for one type than another. Less rock...and pillars built within the tank can help with more flow. I would bet the current amount you have right now is enough...and you can add more.

My two cents worth!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top