too much live rock?

[btodd43]

:?: I have a 6 gal nano- The live rock I started with was about 6 #'s -there was no coralline on it ,so this week end I bought another chunk (fiji) with a crap load of purple coraline on it and put it in the piece weighed in at 4#'s so now I have 10#'s in a 6 gal nano - Too much? Thanks
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Cooking message board

 

[Anonymous]

Weight of the rock is just a general guideline; they vary a great deal in density etc.

Does it look like too much to you? If not, I wouldn't give it another thought.

 

[SnowManSnow]

It's really difficult to tell how much LR u need by going with weight. For instance, if you picked up 20lbs of Marshal Island LR and 20LBS of Fiji you would span a much greater area with the Marshal b/c it is... for the most part... less dense and more "finger like".

That being said. I would just put in what looks good in your tank. No one wants to see a tank that showcases a big hunk of rock (unless its some sort of special rock). You'll want to provide nice hidging places for your denizens. Also, make sure you can keep a decent flow around and through your rock structure to avoid stagnent areas that will cause "dust" buildup and algae problems down the road.

If you had to you can easily break the big chunk of rock into smaller ones. Just put it in a towel and smack it with a hammer The stuff isn't very resiliant.

Good luck!

Let's see a pic!

B

 

[btodd43]

Thanks guys thats what I thought-no camera yet - but the 1/2 a football size I put in there is just loooooooooaded with purp cora,so I'm hoping it will seed the rest of the rock.
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Perpetual Insurance Forum

 

[SnowManSnow]

somthin' to consider

You'll need decent CA levels (at least 420 IMO) for the coraline algae to take off.

You prolly figured that though
Have a good one!

B

 

[btodd43]

yea- just learnin.....I'm soo stupid!!!!!,havin a blast tho- It's about 415 now-I have all the salifert test kits ALL of them geez they almost cost as much as the whole set-up...
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Braising Forum

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree about the amount of rock - if you like the look, you have the right amount. :wink:

As for the Ca level, personally I think 415 is ideal and wouldn't worry about raising it - that's right around natural seawater levels. FWIW, there have been studies done that show there's no real difference in calcification rates once you're at or above the 350-360 range IIRC...

 

[btodd43]

right on- did not know that, It's so cool once your water gets right-such a battle of patience but a good lesson.................
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apollo mist

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

FWIW, you'll also need to make sure your alk is in balance as well as maintaining a magnesium level of 1250-1300 ppm. The skeleton of coraline algae is made up primarily of magnesium and depleted mg levels will impede the growth of the algae.

Alk and Calcium: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Magnesium: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

Water param chart for future reference: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm