How much live rock should you buy........

[shrimpdady]

I have read many posts in which people are suggesting that someone starting up a new aquarium should have at least 1 pound of live rock per a gallon of water.
This is true but I would like to clarify something.
You do not need to go out and buy that much live rock.
I'll use my tank as an example.
I have a 55 Ga. tank with about 25 lbs. of live rock and about 40 lbs. of base rock.
When starting up a new tank it is much cheaper to buy base rock than live rock.
My suggestion would be to buy half live rock and half base rock.
Live rock in my area goes for $6.99 a lb. and base rock goes for $1.99 a lb.
The live rock that you place in your tank will seed your base rock and the base rock will then become "live" rock.
I just wanted to post this so people who are new to the hobby can save some money.
If I am incorrect please let me know.

 

[jacklax]

I think you're right on...there have been some earlier discussions confirming so. This is an expensive hobby...cost saving pointers are always appreciated.

 

[jttenpro]

I thought this to be true as well until I read some posts saying that a lot of base rock is not as porus and even though it becomes live it dosen't have the effect of real live rock.
I was going to buy base rock as well until I read this. I guess it depends on the rock, is this true.

 

[joshradio]

yes and no... it really depends on how long you want to wait....
if you don't mind letting nature take it's course, then do half LR half base... but if you intend on adding fish right away, you need that LR to fliter your system or you'll start to build up "bad" things like ammonia