How Much Substrate and Rock for a 110 Aquarium?

[Hugh Mann]

Unexpectedly got a great deal on a 110 Gallon Aquarium, picking it up next week. Upgrading from a 55 gallon.

I'm wondering how much substrate and rock is recommended for that size tank? I would assume roughly double, but I don't know for sure.

I currently have 85lbs of live rock, and roughly 35lbs of crushed Coral, and I am so far preferring the look (and cost) of that over most other substrates.

 

[sharpimage]

Depends how much you like rock in your tank. I like less. I went from a 112 to a 180 and just moved the rock over and didn't add any. I also only used 40 lbs of sand total.

 

[cvrle1]

There is really no recommended amount. Some will go with sand bed of 3"-4", some will do 1", some will go bare bottom. In regards to rocks, again hard to say. It depends on rock as well. Live rock that is porous and light will need less lbs wise than rock like Marco, which is heavier. Build aquascape that you like, add more rocks that you need to get what you like, and that is how much rock you need. You can always add few pieces more into the sump if need be.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I like lots of rock. Need lots too. Have to build a Warren of caves and overhangs. I seem to lean towards fish that like to perch or hide, or swim through rockwork.

Will need open space too, plan on adding a Hippo, which will go into my 210 when I get it in 6 or 8 months. Couldn't pass up double my current volume for $100.

 

[slojim]

I have a 110. I probably have 80 lbs of rock. Compared to lots of tanks, the 110 is a tall tank with a narrow footprint, so that 80lbs really fills it up a lot. Granted, about half is pukani, which seems much less dense than the rest. That rock wall will cost you (and me) in extra flow and lighting arrangement. I like it, but before i buy lights, I'm trying to decide if it's worth it i expect I'll need a strip or tube along the front edge to avoid too much shadow

 

[slojim]

I guess if you are committed to a 210, you can use this opportunity to quarantine some live rock so you minimize your pest risk, or grow some dry rock so you can minimize your cycle risk.

 

[acan-man]

Don't go so much for minimums. Build a rockscape you actually want to look at. If it's more than the 1lb/gallon or less that then its fine. If you go over then you don't do anything else. If you're under you can add extra rock to the sump, or marine pure blocks to get any added bacteria space you need. My 90 has 60 lbs in the display and another 20 in the sump.

As for sand, go with what you want again. I prefer minimal sand (1 inch). I didn't use a full 40lb bag for my tank.

The other way to look at it is, don't build for you, build for your fish and corals. What do the fish you want prefer? lots of space? deep sand? tons of caves and hiding holes? Lots of flat rocks for corals?

Don't forget to plan for flow and coral growth (not all against the back wall)