live rock in overflows GOOD idea or not??

[moonie]

I was wondering is I filled my overflows with live rock and rubble woould it help or hurt? Reason being my tank is loaded with rock and was wondering if I could free up some space my putting it in my overflows. Any thoughts on this idea? Please let me know Thanks

 

[tizzo]

As long as it stays wet, and your power never goes out long enough for it to dry, it should be fine

 

[peef]

I wouldn't do it with a hang on back overflow though. Otherwise I think it wouldn't hurt.

 

[spanko]

Where does the overflow go to? A sump? A fuge? Can you put the rock there? As long as the rock stays as part of the overall water volume should be no problem.

 

[saltn00b]

I would guess that if it fills up with that green sludge algae that tends to thrive in the dark, and collects with detritus and other junk, you might get a flow restriction or even clogging effect. if you are already plumbing to a sump, just put extra LR there.

 

[lexluethar]

I think it is a bad idea. The reason being there is no mechanical filtration between the water and the rocks. So in essence you will get TONS of debris buildup back there. If your overflows go into something like a sump or fuge, then place the rocks in there in a chamber AFTER the mechanical filtration takes place. Otherwise you will need to take those LR out of your overflows weekly and clean all of the food off of them.
Make sense?

 

[moonie]

thanks for the input