How much LR for 60 Gal?

raeuven · #1 12/28/2007, 07:24 PM

How much LR would be need for a 60 gal. 48 x 13 x 24.? Also, the water we have from the FS wasn't too bad in nitrates, but with the LS we purchased at the same time, the nitrates are pretty high, over 50 mg/1 (ppm), maybe closer to like 80. Should we do a water change now with new saltwater or wait a week and let it cycle some more?? All we have is LS and LR.

kawicivic · #2 12/28/2007, 07:29 PM

depends on type of rock (different rock has different porosity) but a general rule of thumb I use is 1 lb per gallon

kawicivic · #3 12/28/2007, 07:32 PM

as for the other questions..... i would do a water change or it will keep getting worse. The levels are probably high enough to start killing lifeforms which will just keep the ammonia cycle going. You should be testing for ammonia at this point and not necessarily nitrates although if they are that high already maybe you have had it running awhile. Did you use RO/di water?

raeuven · #4 12/28/2007, 07:47 PM

I used Seeded Salt-water and LS from the FS. We tested the water separately and it wasn't that bad, so maybe the sand when stirred up and put in the tank made it go higher. When we brought the water test back to the store today, they tested their water and said it was very low. I'm not sure it was the same water, though. We went ahead and got some Rodi water and plan on making our own to do a water change in a couple of days after the salt water is made. Nitrates and PH was low. We didn't test for ammonia but will do.

Zestay · #5 12/28/2007, 08:07 PM

its not the weight its the surface area.

warrenm107 · #6 12/29/2007, 05:30 PM

Many publications I have read say 1 pound per gallon. I do not like the box of rocks look however. I tried to get by with half that amount in my 65 gallon tank. Seems to be working fine.

llorence · #7 12/29/2007, 05:44 PM

If you are using a sump and have room in it, add your live rock there. You get the benefits of live rock for your overall system and can avoid the "box of rocks" look in your display tank.

george81 · #8 12/29/2007, 11:07 PM

1.5-2lbs per gallon of porous live rock.

JediReefer · #9 12/29/2007, 11:22 PM

I have 90lbs in my 60g. Could fit more but I want room for growth.

scram2 · #10 12/30/2007, 03:42 AM

ya i have about 35-45lbs of LR in my 24 gallon and it fits nice in there and everything is doing really good

so im not sure what you should go by i have figi and tonga rock mostly figi.

tcilmo · #11 12/30/2007, 10:09 AM

I would carrier any where between 45-60 pounds, general rule is 1lb per gallon, however you might be able to get away with a little less if you dont have problems with over stocking. :-)