How much more LR should I add?

[mimo]

This is about 65 pounds of live rock I bought off someone who took their tank down. It's very dense rock. I'm not sure where it's from. Anyway, I'm doing a FOWLR for now but plan on going reef. I want to order some more LR so I can aquascape it properly. How many pounds of Fiji do you guys recommend? It's a standard 55 gallon tank. :notsure:
BTW, I plan on relocating those powerheads somewhere else.
Thanks!
Dom

 

[jlem]

It does not take very much rock for biological filration so it totally is up to you and the look that you are going for. I personally like the open look with less rock and more swimming room, but others like to pack their tanks full of rock and give their fish no swimming room.

 

[stapler]

More rock means more bio-filteration. Also, if you plan on going to a reef somday, youll want plent of rock to have different places to set your corals on. Some like being closer to the lights, and some dont.
The fish will have plenty of swimming room.:yes:

 

[stapler]

Just make sure you dont add too many fish!

 

[cprdnick]

Optimal biological filtration works with 1 lb per gallon. 65 lbs is enough for good bio filtration for a 55 gallon. 55 lbs would be the minimum, from there on, its up to your eye.
Clint

 

[mimo]

I plan on stocking 4-5 fish, a standard clean-up crew of hermits, snails, shrimp, etc., and some corals and maybe an anemone in the future.
I realize that this is probably enough LR for bio filtration but I really don't like the way it looks this way. Maybe I should buy some Tonga Branch and spice it up a little?
What do you guys think?

 

[birdy]

That looks very much like base rock (that has been turned live) to me, you are right it is pretty dense. and they look huge!, I think some tonga would look fanstastic with that as your base. With very dense rock the 1lb per gallon for bio filtration is not as accurate, definetely get some light porus rock and use a sugar sized sand for substrate.

 

[jlem]

Originally posted by stapler
More rock means more bio-filteration.
The fish will have plenty of swimming room.:yes:
The problem with to much rock is that you have lots of rock not serving it's Biological purpose and you are reducing your water volume. If 20Lbs of rock will adequately filter the water then more than 20Lbs really is just for looks.
Certain fish like swimming room so a tank packed full of rock can stress some fish out I would think :yes:
Of course it is what looks good to the indivisual that should dictate the amount of rock, and common sense

 

[mimo]

I'm definitely confused. :notsure: Maybe I can break this rock into smaller pieces and put the Fiji on top of it? Maybe I should leave it alone and add some Tonga Branch on it?

 

[birdy]

I think breaking that rock up a bit (a chisle and hammer would work nicely) and adding either tonga or figi, would be a good idea.