How much live rock do I need for corals?

[tawnyfish]

Setting up a new 75-gallon tank and wanna get the rock right this time. How much live rock do I actually need for a mixed reef? Got some Zoanthids, a couple Acros, and a Duncan. Heard 1-1.5 lbs per gallon, but that seems like overkill.

[FreshBite]

The 1-1.5 lbs per gallon rule is a decent starting point, but it depends on your scape goals. For a mixed reef, you'll want enough rock to provide stable biological filtration and plenty of surface area for corals. I'd aim for 60-80 lbs in your 75-gallon, but focus on structure over quantity. Make sure there's good flow around the rocks to prevent dead spots.

[froghop_9]

I used about 50 lbs in my 75 and it's been fine. Just make sure the rock is porous and not too dense. The more surface area, the better for bacteria and coral attachment.

[racyo]

Yo, don't go cramming a ton of rock in there just 'cause some chart says so. Think about the vibe you want. More rock means less swim space for fish, and you gotta clean around it. I'd start with 50 lbs and add more if you feel like it's missing something.

[vague]

The 1-1.5 lbs per gallon rule is a decent starting point, but it depends on your scape goals. For a mixed reef, you'll want enough rock to provide stable biological filtration and plenty of surface area for corals. I'd aim for 60-80 lbs in your 75-gallon, but focus on structure over quantity. Make sure there's good flow around the rocks to prevent dead spots.

Agreed. Also, consider the type of rock. Fiji rock is denser, so you might need less compared to MarcoRock, which is super porous.

[ooblek]

My tank's got like 40 lbs of rock and it's doing okay, but my corals are all softies. If you're gonna keep Acros, you might wanna lean heavier on the rock. Just sayin'.

[coraluxe]

It's not just about weight. The shape and arrangement matter too. You want open spaces for flow and to avoid detritus buildup. I'd start with 60 lbs and adjust as needed.

[CycleFan]

Rock on, dude. But seriously, too much rock can mess with your flow. Keep it balanced.

[Eclipse]

I followed the 1 lb per gallon rule and my tank's been stable for years. Just make sure the rock is cured properly.

[tawnyfish]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna start with 60 lbs and see how it looks. Appreciate the advice on flow and structure too.