New reef set up opinions

MikeyAl · Apr 16, 2016

Hi all. I have always setup my new tanks rock heavy and fairly shallow sandbed.
I want to switch that. I want to set up with just enough rock to create a couple of island and am thinking deeper sandbed to compensate.

Thoughts on minimum required live rock and sandbed depth? It will be a 90g mixed reef.

Thanks.

dbl · Apr 16, 2016

Many folks go with a minimalist rockscape. Check this thread for additional ideas: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

Also remember, you can put some rock in the sump as well for additional filtration needs. Just my initial thoughts anyway.

MikeyAl · Apr 16, 2016

I am actually starting with dry rock- live sand. I will likely put some live rock in the sump. And of course some nitrifying bacteria.
So I am thinking 3" sand bed?

PatW · Apr 16, 2016

My sand bed is just enough to cover the bottom, about an inch. It looks pretty nice. Some people go with a bare bottom tank. Other people do deep sand beds.

You can go with the old pound per gallon for rock. But that is just a rule of thumb. Some rock is quite dense and other rock is porous meaning a pound of one will take up more space than another. You want enough rock to process the ammonia production of your fish with a safety factor in case a fish dies and decays. You want enough rock to provide platforms for your corals and holes for your fish to take refuge in. You also want it to look great.

MikeyAl · Apr 16, 2016

PatW said:
My sand bed is just enough to cover the bottom, about an inch. It looks pretty nice. Some people go with a bare bottom tank. Other people do deep sand beds.

You can go with the old pound per gallon for rock. But that is just a rule of thumb. Some rock is quite dense and other rock is porous meaning a pound of one will take up more space than another. You want enough rock to process the ammonia production of your fish with a safety factor in case a fish dies and decays. You want enough rock to provide platforms for your corals and holes for your fish to take refuge in. You also want it to look great.

Right. I do want it to lol great. But I don't want more rock than necessary. So thinking less rock/deeper bed.