Live Rock

fishfiend

fishfiend

Member
Hey, I've just recently took up saltwater aquariums as a hobby, and I have a few questions about live rock. First, I was wondering how much live rock I should buy for my 55 gallon tank. Some people say I should have at least 1.5 pounds of rock per gallon. Secondly, I was wondering if I just leave my live rock in the tank while it cycles, and I have all the lights going at the right time for the right length, will all my corals just grow out of the rock? or do most of you buy the corals for your tanks?
 
fishieness

fishieness

Active Member
most of the time corals are bought. However, sometimes i have seen a hitchicker coral on my live rock that my LFS didnt notice. They didnt survive the cycle of my tank though... oh well.
1-2 pounds per gallon is good, so 1.5 is ideal
 
fishfiend

fishfiend

Member
Great thanks. How much do you all spend on LR/coral on average to get your tanks looking all pretty and life-like?
 
mike h.

mike h.

Member
2.5 lbs. is about right for live rock. I've been paying about $5.50 per pound for LR. You could find some deals, But you can also find something in there you don't expect!!!
 
S

swatcop109

Guest
:joy: IF Your Going To Put 1.5 Pounds Of Live Rock Per Gallon, Do This:
Say You Have A 5 Gallon Tank Buy Maybe 2 Pounds Of Live Rock And
Then Buy 3 Pounds Of Base Rock... (base Rock Is From The Ocean But
It's Not Live) The Base Rock Over Time Will Start To Grow Algea Just
Like The Live Rock!!! Not To Mention Live Rock Is Like $6 A Pound Base Rock Is
Like $2.75 Per Pound... :cheer: It Save Lots Of Money!!!!
 
miked0523

miked0523

Member
Using liverock to cycle a tank is a very good way to start. add as much as you can at the beginning cured or uncured, that way you wont have to worry about your tank recycling because you wanted more live rock after your tank has been stocked. I would leave the lights off until the tank is fully cycled to try and prevent unwanted algae.
 
jambi0n

jambi0n

Member
OK,
I got a question about the LR... I just bought 50 lbs of LR and will buy 50 more lbs this weekend. Do I have to turn on the lights, while the tank is cycleing? Or when it's done with the cycle.
 
1journeyman

1journeyman

Active Member

Originally Posted by SWATCOP109
:joy: IF Your Going To Put 1.5 Pounds Of Live Rock Per Gallon, Do This:
Say You Have A 5 Gallon Tank Buy Maybe 2 Pounds Of Live Rock And
Then Buy 3 Pounds Of Base Rock... (base Rock Is From The Ocean But
It's Not Live) The Base Rock Over Time Will Start To Grow Algea Just
Like The Live Rock!!! Not To Mention Live Rock Is Like $6 A Pound Base Rock Is
Like $2.75 Per Pound... :cheer: It Save Lots Of Money!!!!

Yes and no.
A lot of "base" rock is actually rock. While it will grow algae on the surface, it lacks the tiny holes and cracks that true "live" rock has (which is actually the calcium "skeletons" of dead coral).
Now, those holes and cracks are, imho, very important.
I wouldn't skimp on live rock. Order it online and cure it yourself.
you get what you pay for in this hobby, imo.
 
fishieness

fishieness

Active Member
i agree journeyman. Although base rock will become live, 5 pounds of live rock is a heck of a lot better than 5 pounds of base rock that has become live. This is because live rock is very pourus. This will create a larger surface area of rock for bacteria and such to grow on. FOr an example.... take 3 acres of flat land. now take 3 acres of very hilly land. What one will have more surface area? But instead of hills, fill the rock with cracks, crevases, and microscopic holes. It is much better than base rock
 
1journeyman

1journeyman

Active Member
And even more, 5lbs. of live rock will seem like a lot more because it is so porous... 5lbs. of base rock is like a slab of cement....
 
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