How much live rock feels balanced?

[pinocchio]

I am going to purchasing some live rock from KPAquatics very shortly and was wondering how many pounds you’d all recommend? I know the rule of thumb is 1 - 1 1/2 pounds per gallon. I have a ProStar 90 which is about 65 display. Would 50lbs visually feel like enough? What about 60? There’s quite a jump in price so I want to try to be cost effective, but also not have to purchase more later. Thanks for any feedback.

Bonus points for anyone who has a similar sized display and has some photos to show how many pounds of live rock they have so I can get a visual of what it looks like in tank.

 

[AydenLincoln]

The rule of a certain amount of lbs per gallons is not always true! It also depends on the size of the rock and shape of the tank! You want open space for swimming room too plus you can put extra rock in the sump. I’d say start with 50 lbs possibly less and go from there you can always buy more in the future as you plan your aquascape. Some lfs also let you build it in store at least mine does.

 

[AydenLincoln]

The rule of a certain amount of lbs per gallons is not always true! It also depends on the size of the rock, shape of the tank, and stocking levels! Remember you want open space for swimming room too plus you can put extra rock in the sump. I’d say start with 50 lbs possibly less and go from there you can always buy more in the future as you plan your aquascape. Some fish stores also let you put together your aquascape in store if you have the tank measurements.

 

[pinocchio]

Thanks for the reply. Yea, I’m trying to figure out what is actually a good rule of thumb. I suppose I can always add more later.

 

[jackson6745]

A more porous live rock to aesthetically fill the desired space, along with a section in your filtration of a type of synthetic bio-media has been very effective in my last several tanks. Rock in my display is usually less than .5lb per g with no issues and loads of fish.

 

[90's reefer]

On my 120 I used 50/50 live and caribsea.
It depends on the look you want.
I used 35lbs of both so around 70lbs.
I normaly do all live but the 50/50 worked out very well.
Here is a couple pics for reference.
Remember to leave pleny of room for growth.