Jump to content
inTank Media Baskets

Dry rock calculations for a 20 gallon tank


debbeach13

Recommended Posts

Back in the day most set up hints recommended 1 1/2 to 2 lb.'s of live rock per gallon. I always stayed toward the low end so there was room for coral that may come on some rock. What is the recommended amount for dry rock? Since I will probably buy online. I wish one of the vendors offered a package with a mix of 2 or 3 different kinds but I have not seen that yet.

Besides the savings by using dry and the ability to secure the aquascape before putting in the tank. It seems many believe this will get you off to a good pest free start. But then if you seed with live rock or get any corals attached to rock you will still run the risks of introducing pests to the tank. I know you can start the cycle with pure ammonia instead of live rock. So that is probably what I will do.

Link to comment

I sent an e-mail to Marine depot asking if they ever mix it up for customers. Maybe some thing like 2 pieces of Aqua max tonga shelf with base, 2 or 3 pieces of Aqua max tonga shelf and then use Aqua max Pukani to reach the recommended weight amount.

Link to comment

There isnt a standard 1lb to gallon or anything. You will find tanks with minimal scapes having only a single rock with a lot of open space, or you will find some of the "old school" scapes where people just throw in a ton of rocks. Comes down to just having enough surface area for bacteria to colonize. Not sure if your doing a sump, but you could opt to put a nice designed scape in the display and adding extra rock into your sump for added surface area.

 

I started all my rock dry and just added bottled bacteria and ammonia during the cycle. Worked out fine for me, but comes to preference.

Link to comment

Thanks for the reply. I just checked reef cleaners and they recommend around 1.25 to 1.5 lb.'s per gallon. Also noting reduce that number for additions or if you prefer an open scape. I will not be using a sump. This is going to start off trying to just use sand and rock for filtration. I know that reduces the bio load I should keep. Possibly after a while use an aqua-clear filter for some cheato to help with nutrient export. Your tank looks sweet.

Link to comment

Thanks for the reply. I just checked reef cleaners and they recommend around 1.25 to 1.5 lb.'s per gallon. Also noting reduce that number for additions or if you prefer an open scape. I will not be using a sump. This is going to start off trying to just use sand and rock for filtration. I know that reduces the bio load I should keep. Possibly after a while use an aqua-clear filter for some cheato to help with nutrient export. Your tank looks sweet.

ReefCleaners sells the best rock! No leaching and very natural

 

Oh BTW I used about 25lbs in my 45 gallon and love it. I'm not one for a "wall of rocks".

Link to comment

Thanks for the reply. I just checked reef cleaners and they recommend around 1.25 to 1.5 lb.'s per gallon. Also noting reduce that number for additions or if you prefer an open scape. I will not be using a sump. This is going to start off trying to just use sand and rock for filtration. I know that reduces the bio load I should keep. Possibly after a while use an aqua-clear filter for some cheato to help with nutrient export. Your tank looks sweet.

 

Thanks.

 

For my 29 i used like 20lbs. As long as its nice porous rock youll be fine with whatever you plan to use.

 

The point im trying to make is, dont over think it.

Link to comment

I have always been extremely happy with reef cleaners inverts. My salt and sand are due tomorrow. So I really should pull the trigger on some rock.

Yes you definitely should. Get more than you need so that you can pick out the pieces you like!

Link to comment

Of then again no matter how the scape starts out it is so different when you get some coral growing in there.

 

Very true, but you can still define the structure with the rock and plan for coral placement. Can kind of see it with how i scaped my 29.

Link to comment

 

My 29 started with sand, but i pulled it out.

I know at some point I want a tiger shrimp/goby so I will be using sand. I did go with reef cleaners for the dry rock. Should be starting the tank around this time next week. Thanks for your comments

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
streamline.by.design

We always suggest 1lb sand and 1lb rock per gallon to our customers. It is a good baseline. This varies when dealing with different types of rock.

Link to comment

We always suggest 1lb sand and 1lb rock per gallon to our customers. It is a good baseline. This varies when dealing with different types of rock.

That is pretty much what I always heard and read. This time I am going for a much more minimal approach. I hope to leave much more room between rock and glass. We shall see if I stick to that. Plus leave room for coral some day.

On another note for the 1st time nitrate test today is showing some. It is between 5 and 10. PROGRESS ammonia 0, nitrite 0, PO4 0, PH only 8.0. SG steady at 1.025. Sorry no pictures my camera and lap top s-(k.

But most of all my ability to get good photo's make it a daunting task.

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions

×
×
  • Create New...