Need some help, ive been away from the hobby awhile.

84chris · 05/27/2020, 09:26 PM

I bought a new 16 gallon biocube and i cant remember how much rock and sand per gallon you should have? Also does anyone know where i can get a faucet adapter for my rodi? Thanks

Sugar Magnolia · 05/28/2020, 02:30 PM

It's not really about pounds per gallon but more about aesthetics. In a tank that small I suggest a shallow sand bed. As far as rocks go, it really depends on what you're planning on stocking the tank with.

Michael Hoaster · 05/28/2020, 06:29 PM

Up to you. The more sand and rock, the more surface area for bacteria to colonize. I agree on the shallow sand bed. I'd add that going with fine grain sand you'll get more surface area, even at shallow depth. Smaller rocks would work better too and give you more flexibility, in a small tank.

Imaexpat2 · 05/29/2020, 01:26 PM

The old rule of thumb was 1-1.5 lbs per a gallon for biological filtration depending on how dense the rock is. I seriously doubt very many folks follow that rule these days. Regardless, its your tank, your money and your viewing pleasure, use as much as you wish.

Personally, I use very light weight rock and try to get close to a pound per a gallon. I just aint gonna sweat it if I am a few pound shy...

05/27/2020, 09:26 PM	#1
84chris Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Brookpark Posts: 446	Need some help, ive been away from the hobby awhile. I bought a new 16 gallon biocube and i cant remember how much rock and sand per gallon you should have? Also does anyone know where i can get a faucet adapter for my rodi? Thanks

05/28/2020, 02:30 PM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	It's not really about pounds per gallon but more about aesthetics. In a tank that small I suggest a shallow sand bed. As far as rocks go, it really depends on what you're planning on stocking the tank with. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

05/28/2020, 06:29 PM	#3
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Up to you. The more sand and rock, the more surface area for bacteria to colonize. I agree on the shallow sand bed. I'd add that going with fine grain sand you'll get more surface area, even at shallow depth. Smaller rocks would work better too and give you more flexibility, in a small tank. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/29/2020, 01:26 PM	#4
Imaexpat2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Chagos Arch. Posts: 474	The old rule of thumb was 1-1.5 lbs per a gallon for biological filtration depending on how dense the rock is. I seriously doubt very many folks follow that rule these days. Regardless, its your tank, your money and your viewing pleasure, use as much as you wish. Personally, I use very light weight rock and try to get close to a pound per a gallon. I just aint gonna sweat it if I am a few pound shy...