Live Rock

[jmoots]

We just purchased a 55 gallon tank that we want to set up as a saltwater tank. We have been told that we need at least 55lbs of live rock in it. They said we could start off with less and add more as we go. What would be the minimum we should start off with?

 

[bigbanker]

If you go base rock it will be cheaper...

Are you planning on doing a reef?

Edit: you can seed the base rock with live rock

 

[jmoots]

we are planning on doing reef.

 

[bigbanker]

Depending on the density of the rock you may actually want more than 55 pounds. Get as much as you can afford and then add rock as you go.

You can use a filter in the meantime

 

[jmoots]

so there is no minimum I should start with?

 

[bigbanker]

Nope

Your reef is a growing and maturing thing.... Therefore you can add and subtract as you see fit. In this hobby it can be expensive so take your time.

I ordered my base rock off of Amazon for two bucks a pound

 

[Keithhjs]

Check out reefrocks.net. 50 lbs for $85 shipped. Add $15 more and you get 40 lbs of sand too. All you need then is to seed it with some live rock.

 

[Pschmitt]

+1 on Reefrocks. Just received 50 lbs and love it. Nice pieces. Very light and porous. I can take a pic once I'm home.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

If you want a quick cycle, I would start with 20 pounds at least, of live cultured rock and the maybe 20 -30 of dry live rock.

 

[jmoots]

thank you everyone for the information!

 

[tonedogz]

the general rule is 1 1/2 pounds per gallon if its good porus rock like fiji, marshall island, tonga if its dense rock then you'll need two pounds per gallon

 

[Searchin]

Pschmitt, you should post that picture. I really want to see what they look like. I've been Interested in that deal!

 

[Pschmitt]

I'll take a pic tonight.

 

[Keithhjs]

The first pic is new reefrocks rocks not "live" yet. Second pic is same batch of rocks in my DT with Zoas on top. Also the sand in the first pic in the tubs is the free ($15 shipping) sand from reefrocks.

 

[Criptix]

Nope

Your reef is a growing and maturing thing.... Therefore you can add and subtract as you see fit. In this hobby it can be expensive so take your time.

I ordered my base rock off of Amazon for two bucks a pound

Where on Amazon? Everywhere I have looked is sooo expensive...

 

[bigbanker]

Where on Amazon? Everywhere I have looked is sooo expensive...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_6?k=base+rock&sprefix=base+r

(Price + shipping cost)/total rock = price per pound.

Example: (the price is $90 + shipping is free)/ this is for 40# of rock. The price per pound would be $2.25

Or (90+0)/40=2.25

When I ordered my 50 pounds it came out to about $1.70 it depends on which seller you pick and their prices.

 

[Fish4ever]

There was atlantic rock on there 50 lbs for $51.95 if I'm not mistaken

 

[bigbanker]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LU7OLK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1367892627&sr=8-6&pi=SL75

This may work for you. 50 pounds at $1.52/pound.

 

[Pschmitt]

This aquarium is 36 x 18 x 19, and it's their 50 lb box.