Live rock stocking question

[Coralbeauty85]

Hi folks,
I am on this lovely adventure called salt water aquarium. I have done research and seem to be getting mixed answers about the stocking of live rock. My LFS says I need 30 pounds of rock for my 40 gallon while others have said 20 is enough.
Thanks for the help : )

 

[HiddenUser]

Weight is going to be dependent on the type rock that you use. Some rock may be far more porous, thus lighter, than other rocks.

Some people like the rock wall aquascape some people prefer the minimalistic aquascape. If you're getting the rocks from your LFS, I'd just suggest getting rocks with interesting characteristics.

 

[Rattooth]

Either will probably work. Lately I prefer less , so over a year or 2 corals will have room to grow, and fish have room to swim.
Me start with less . Add a little at a time later if needed .
Note adding 20 pounds of rock to a tank with 20 pounds , will probably cause ammonia spike. Deadly. Adding one pound to tank with 20 ponds - no problem.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Too much rock can impede flow and flow is what provides the beneficial microfauna with what they need to survive, the undesirable and sometimes harmful compounds which they convert into harmless compounds.

 

[miller175]

Go with a lb per gallon

 

[Coralbeauty85]

This helps a lot! Thanks! : )