Just noticing.

[randymon]

While reading this months advanced aquarist article on the Pratt reef, I couldnt help but notice that this 210 gal. system runs with only 130 lbs. of live rock. I realize that it has a 4'' sand bed but come on. Are we being duped when it comes to 1.5 -2 lbs per gal ratio. I currently run 35-40 lbs of figi LR wit only a 1 1/2'' sand bed on my 55 and I am always thinking I need more, but it seems to run fine. By the way I was very impressed with the article as I too am enviromentally careful about what I put in my system. Any way just noticing.

 

[Anonymous]

the weight to gallon ratio is just a general rule of thumb- with in those numbers, the most people have gotten the best results. Every tank is different and will behave differently(even if you set up identical tanks at the same time, neither will behave the same.)

 

[dougc]

I think the need for lots of live rock is overrated. I like the look of a tank with less rock better. It leaves more room for growth, too, as I learned with my last tank. Not to mention saving a bundle of money.

 

[liquid]

The 1# - 2# of rock / gal rule is just a rule of thumb. I've seen tanks with much less rock per gallon. Richard Harker's huge tank comes to mind ATM. Really, I like the look of less rock and more sandbed.

Shane

 

[Anonymous]

Me too. I like some open space to see critters running around on the sand. I have just under 100lbs in my 72 gallon, but 10 pounds is in the sump and 30-40 pounds is made up of heavy limestone.

You need a lot less poundage with a lighter rock, like branch rock, because what is really important is surface area.

Also, bioballs are a great place for bacteria, even though people are against them. I took them out to get rid of a nitrate problem and it did nothing. I put them in my overflow like my LFS guy does and BAM, 0 nitrates every single time I test, just like my LFS guy....I have no clue why though.

 

[MattM]

We normally recommend 1/2 lb per gallon as a minimum to accomplish biological filtration.

We tell customers that this level will leave a lot of open space and if they would prefer more of a "reef face" across the tank, they will need to go with more like 1 to 2 lbs per gallon, but that anything beyond the initial 1/2 lb is personal preference.

 

[shalegac]

I have 4lbs. in my 10 gallon.