Adding more live rock...please read

[azonic]

The cloudiness is now 95% gone out of my water, just waiting on my powerheads to blow the sand from the live rock. Now that I can actually see in the tank I want to add to the 26 pounds of live rock that I already have. I was planning on picking up another 10 pounds or so tomorrow to make it up to 36 pounds. Heres the question....What is the ideal amount of live rock for me to have? I realize this is a rather open ended question, im just looking for some opinions. I was THINKING around ~50 pounds?

 

[stacy]

I think 50 in a 38 would look good. It's more a matter of what looks good than anything. Most people say 1-2 lbs per gallon. I have 50lbs in my 37 and it looks good to me.

 

[m1rodrig]

Well congrats on your tank.What are your parameters doing?Are you getting excited yet?Your getting close.

 

[azonic]

My levels are as follows
PH = 8.2
Ammonia = 2.0+
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0
Specific Gravity = 1.022 i THINK, the stupid plastic hydrometer gives me a different reading everytime I use the damn thing.
I've got a question, my rocks are COVERED in sand from when it was settling...I just brushed some off with a net and it stirred up the water again, not as bad as before but still makes it look real messy. Anyway, I have a feeling it's all going to settle back onto the rocks. How do i get it off the rocks? I've got 2 powerheads enroute to me but I fail to see how they will help because they will just blow it around the water and not let it settle at all...anyone? Im stumped on this one.

 

[azonic]

Anyone?

 

[m1rodrig]

try a turkey baster.Has your nitrite gone up any?

 

[azonic]

Just tested trites. They look between 0 and 0.25. Too damned hard to tell with those color charts

 

[m1rodrig]

Keep watching your ammonia as it lowers start watching your trites,Ithink you should be close to the next step.Isn't nature awesome?