Pounds per gallon?

[Genomecop]

Morning. Is the old rule of 1lb per gallon still the norm? It seems to me lots of tank shots look much less than that, which I actually like. Thoughts?

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

we have come on long ways on technology and can export/rid a lot of nasty's with the help of chemicals or equipment so that rule now does not matter.

 

[Genomecop]

we have come on long ways on technology and can export/rid a lot of nasty's with the help of chemicals or equipment so that rule now does not matter.

That's what I thought though I'm going through my setup list and vendors I contacted still recommended the one pound per gallon. Happy that's not 'set in stone'. <see what I did there?

 

[norfolkgarden]

That's what I thought though I'm going through my setup list and vendors I contacted still recommended the one pound per gallon. Happy that's not 'set in stone'. <see what I did there?

Lol, you can make it work with other export methods, but the old rule of 1 to 1.5 pounds of live rock per gallon of water is still viable for a reason.
[emoji6]
Dry rock vs live rock is another whole list of threads.

 

[ca1ore]

Is the old rule of 1lb per gallon still the norm?

I think it was/is like most rules-of-thumb: essentially useless! Different kinds of rock vary wildly in their available surface area, so 1 lb./gallon is not useful in estimating necessary bio-filter capacity. Seems to me that the aquasacape trend has moved more to an open design rather than the 'pile of rocks' approach of the past (where said pile went left to right and front to back) ; so 1 lb./gallon isn't even useful in judging aesthetics. When I set up my current tank, as well as my last one, I'd be surprised if I was even at 0.5lb./gallon: yet no signs of any ammonia or nitrite problems. I also much prefer an open look to the tank - at least before the corals get overgrown. When asked, my advice is to use as much rock as you need to satisfy your aesthetic for the tank. It will almost certainly be enough to provide adequate bio-filtration, but periodically check ammonia just in case. Can always add bio-filtration to the sump.

 

[HolisticBear]

I feel the old 1 to 1.5 lbs per gallon was also based off Fiji rock and ratio would probably be cut in half if using Pukani. So like @ca1ore said, a guide, but mostly useless

 

[LuizW13]

If i used 25lbs of pukani for my 25gal, i would literally have no room for anything else lol

 

[bobbyM]

If you're new to the hobby and extra cautious. I'd do just under one lb per gallon. If you're a reef junky and know the value of good equipment and a steady maintenance routine, the rule does not apply. Basically just make it look good. if It looks too much take some out. Sometimes it's harder to have restraint on certain things but, restraint will give you the most rewards in the end.

 

[EmptyWallet]

For filtration, quality not quantity. All about porosity. youtube 'BRS live rock' and pick week 10 episode. Check out marine pure blocks and you'll get the idea. Aside from that you want lots of rock for your fish to hide in caves, graze algae and as a shelf for corals

 

[lafayettereefer]

I've seen tank with minimalist scapes that thrived on much less than 1lb per gal. Although 1lb is what I aim for when buying rocks for a new build. Everything I don't use goes into the sump