live rock

[vvizz4rcl]

ok I am curious,I could just ask my LFS this but i trust you guys more. I am about to start up a new 75g.What I need to know is how much rock do i need to use to ciclie and after I do how much do you think is a decent amount to have in it.I have a 29g sump would like some in the sump. All so would like to know is there a LFS anyone knows of that LR is going for around 5-6. All i find right now is top of line stuff for 7.50-9.thankz for helping.

 

[seattle989]

you want rock that is the most porous and with the most surface area,the poundage of Rock that people use vary. It has since been said 1lb-2 per gallon is a good number to shoot for and i think is still valid. i have seen people use less with the idea that the corals will grow out. personally pounds of rock depended on how i wanted the aquascaping to look because todays technology(skimmer ,refugium, husbandry) has made it a lot easier to keep fish and corals healthy and old rules of thumbs have since changed slightly.

best bet into buying rock is finding it from other peoples already established tanks. I have bought all my rock from fellow reefer for around 3$-5 a pounds.

anyways GL not sure where your located. but general and vague consensus is barrier reef in renton is the place to go for advice.

 

[Holygral]

http://stores.ebay.com/myreefzone


I just got 50# from here, nice rock, not a lot of color, Ii ended up being $175 for the 50# with shipping. I uses the ground ship, very little die off. I am upgrading so there it was not big deal to recycle

 

[returnofsid]

I would recommend a minimum of 1 1/2 pounds per gallon. So, in your case, 100-125 pounds of rock. Part of your questions was a little confusing. You asked how much rock was needed to cycle and then after cycle, how much...or something like that. I would say you want all your rock in at once. If you add rock after your cycle, it could start the cycle over again, if there's any dead or dying material in the new rock. As for LFS and pricing, what part of Washington do you live in? Over here in Spokane, there are two LFS that would fit into your budget well. Aquarium Solutions or Aquatic Dreams. These are both great LFS and both sponsors of Reef Frontiers.
http://aquariumsolutions.org/
http://www.aquaticdreams.biz/

 

[vvizz4rcl]

ok learn something new. I had in mind to start off with most of the rock to cycle then to buy more later one. I can see were that would be a problem now. I am in Tacoma. My options are Indoor reef,Barrel reef, Aquarium Paradise.

 

[returnofsid]

You can start off with most of the rock, get it cycled and add more later, however, you'll need to cure or cycle that additional rock separately, before adding it to your display. Keep your eyes on the For Sale forum. Seems there's always someone selling live rock at decent prices. If you get it from an established reef, the cycle won't be as drastic, if at all.

 

[JasonD]

There are other option besides all live rock. Check out the sponsors' forum, deep water rock. They build custom rock...pillars, walls, caves...

 

[gotfish]

ok learn something new. I had in mind to start off with most of the rock to cycle then to buy more later one. I can see were that would be a problem now. I am in Tacoma. My options are Indoor reef,Barrel reef, Aquarium Paradise.

If you go to any of these places, you're gonna be looking at 6.99-9.99/lb. You'd be better off getting it online. Get like 2 45lb boxes from drs. foster and smith or something and then go get some nice looking pieces locally. The fiji live rock is 89.99/box and with 2 boxes and day shipping, you're still only paying a $3/lb. Use the online stuff for base rock and use the local stuff for the show pieces.

 

[vvizz4rcl]

of course they are out of stock. thanks for that tho I am thinking that i might do that. I dont know yet.