How much rock is to much?

[jlem]

I just thought I would start a thread to get peoples points of views of how much rock is enough. I don't think that it really takes alot of rock to convert ammonia->nitrite->nitrate and therefore I think that alot of people pack way to much rock into a tank thinking that they are benefiting their system when they would be much better off with less rock and more water. The fish would have more swimming room and the system would actually be more stable because more volume of water means slower change in water quality. Now granted 10 lbs of rock in a 125 gallon aquarium is not what I am talking about but even 10 lbs of rock with a sand bed would still take care of ammonia and nitrite. I am just curious of peoples opinions.

 

[kreach]

The general consensus that I have seen is for 1-2 lbs of rock per gallon. We have 200 lbs of live rock in our 120 gallon and 300 lbs in our 175. But we are very careful to stack the rock in such a way that it offers the maximum amount of swimming room possible. Just my 2 cents...

 

[doodle1800]

Your just saying this because you're in the navy and love water..
JK
I agree with you - less rock, but enough to put corals and such on also.

 

[jlem]

I must admit that when I was single I used to love westpacs and australia, but now that I'm married with kids I am not looking forward to carriers again.
I really prefer the open reef look with lots of room for the fish to swim around the rocks and not just infront of them.

 

[worldchanger]

Rock work is something I am always shifting around. It seems like I get it like I want it and a couple of weeks later I'm ready to move it around again. But I've always heard about 1 pound per gallon. I have 45lbs in my 55gal and its doing great.

 

[naturelover]

my 75gal had over 200lbs. but I recently took out around 60lbs. I like the idea of 2 lbs/gal. It gives alot of room for fish to swim, more water volume and enough filtration too IMO.