Live rock in sump ?

[JurisHP]

Looking for input. I’ve got a 180g DT and large sump with protein skimmer, filter socks, and a Marine Pure bio block. My DT has approx. 75# of live rock. I have a ton of live rock on my sump...in pretty much anywhere there is space, I have LR. Is this recommended? It definitely traps detritus, but I’m pretty good at maintenance, do the detritus gets vacuumed every so often. I’ve always had a Nitrate and Phosphate problem...maybe I should remove all the LR from my sump? Or maybe not have as much? More is better? ‍

 

[Billldg]

In my new tank upgrade I plan on putting 60 pounds of live rock in the sump. Initially I plan on placing in in the tank, but I will eventually I will move it to the sump.

 

[JurisHP]

In my new tank upgrade I plan on putting 60 pounds of live rock in the sump. Initially I plan on placing in in the tank, but I will eventually I will move it to the sump.

What about all the chatter I’ve read about Nitrate factories? Detritus traps?

 

[Billldg]

The sand in my current DT traps as much detritus as the rock would , if not more. I currently have nothing in my sump and it still traps detritus. I honestly don't think, unless you have a pump in your sump to keep the flow up, that you can prevent some detritus from building up in the sump. I feel that you really can't beat live rock, as far as the bacteria colonies, but I kinda hate the look of it. I plan on using 200 plus pounds of Marco flat rock in my new tank, but have found that Dinos and such area result of the bacteria population not being right. No matter what you do, I feel some detritus will build up, thats where the husbandry comes in. They say the same thing about filter socks as well.