How much Tampa Bay Saltwater live rock for new 180 gallon reef?

deweyhowell · 09/11/2015, 11:44 PM

I am planning a new 180 gallon build in my new home in Seattle. I am planning a mixed reef with lps, softies and a collection of fish.

I am going to use the package from Tampa Bay Saltwater. I've ordered twice before from Richard and the rock is just amazing!

My first question that I am thinking about is how much rock I should get? I want a substantial rock structure, not minimalist, but also not just a solid rock wall. I'd like some nice structures with some sandy areas and some good swimming room for a tang. I also plan to have a good-sized refugium that can take a piece or two of rock.

The 180 package at 360 lbs. seems like too much. Perhaps 300 with some into the fuge? I imagine it might vary depending on the natural rock vs. the new man-made rock that Richard offers, as I believe these are quite a bit different density.

I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.
Looking forward to another great purchase from Tampa Bay Saltwater!

-Dewey

kmbyrnes · 09/12/2015, 06:41 AM

Just looked at that price list. Starting with all live rock can add up in a hurry.
You could buy dry rock, from TBS or elsewhere, and add some live rock from your LFS and let your cycle run a bit longer.
I think 300 lbs in a 180 would take up a lot of room.

Shawn O · 09/12/2015, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deweyhowell

The 180 package at 360 lbs. seems like too much.

Wow, you'd need a lot of fuge to take all the extra rock.

moondoggy4 · 09/12/2015, 10:34 AM

I would look into the Pukani rock he has live and dry very large pieces he has just brought a batch of them.

hogfanreefer · 09/12/2015, 11:35 AM

My tank has he same foot print as your tank. I got 60 lbs of TBS live rock and 100 lbs of dry rock from Reef Cleaners and it was plenty! I didn't quite use all of it.

My aquascape isn't a wall but far from minimalist.

figuerres · 09/12/2015, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deweyhowell

I am planning a new 180 gallon build in my new home in Seattle. I am planning a mixed reef with lps, softies and a collection of fish.

I am going to use the package from Tampa Bay Saltwater. I've ordered twice before from Richard and the rock is just amazing!

My first question that I am thinking about is how much rock I should get? I want a substantial rock structure, not minimalist, but also not just a solid rock wall. I'd like some nice structures with some sandy areas and some good swimming room for a tang. I also plan to have a good-sized refugium that can take a piece or two of rock.

The 180 package at 360 lbs. seems like too much. Perhaps 300 with some into the fuge? I imagine it might vary depending on the natural rock vs. the new man-made rock that Richard offers, as I believe these are quite a bit different density.

I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.
Looking forward to another great purchase from Tampa Bay Saltwater!

-Dewey

well it sounds like you know what the deal is as you have got rock from him before...
just get a slightly smaller package and then add some sand and clean up crew to match the tank size is what I would do.

the only other thing is depending on when you got his rock before know that the new rock is less dense than the old rock.
I just got part one of the package for my 150 and I know he gives us a *LOT* of rock I am thinking that two of the smaller base rock he got me may go in my sumps fuge area to make a little more room on the top side.

09/11/2015, 11:44 PM	#1
deweyhowell Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 135	How much Tampa Bay Saltwater live rock for new 180 gallon reef? I am planning a new 180 gallon build in my new home in Seattle. I am planning a mixed reef with lps, softies and a collection of fish. I am going to use the package from Tampa Bay Saltwater. I've ordered twice before from Richard and the rock is just amazing! My first question that I am thinking about is how much rock I should get? I want a substantial rock structure, not minimalist, but also not just a solid rock wall. I'd like some nice structures with some sandy areas and some good swimming room for a tang. I also plan to have a good-sized refugium that can take a piece or two of rock. The 180 package at 360 lbs. seems like too much. Perhaps 300 with some into the fuge? I imagine it might vary depending on the natural rock vs. the new man-made rock that Richard offers, as I believe these are quite a bit different density. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions. Looking forward to another great purchase from Tampa Bay Saltwater! -Dewey Last edited by deweyhowell; 09/12/2015 at 12:19 AM.

09/12/2015, 06:41 AM	#2
kmbyrnes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 2,055	Just looked at that price list. Starting with all live rock can add up in a hurry. You could buy dry rock, from TBS or elsewhere, and add some live rock from your LFS and let your cycle run a bit longer. I think 300 lbs in a 180 would take up a lot of room. __________________ 125g Mixed Reef 5/26/2015; 350 Butterfly Dominated FOWLR 11/26/2015 - 11/17/20217 & 07/31/18 to ??? ; 100g Mixed Reef 11/16/2013 to 06/16/2017 Current Tank Info: Too small

09/12/2015, 11:35 AM	#5
hogfanreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 2,117	My tank has he same foot print as your tank. I got 60 lbs of TBS live rock and 100 lbs of dry rock from Reef Cleaners and it was plenty! I didn't quite use all of it. My aquascape isn't a wall but far from minimalist. __________________ DSA 155,Custom Trigger 42" sump/refugium, MP40 X2, MP 10 X 2, AI Hydra 52 X3, Apex controller, Tunze ATO Current Tank Info: DSA 155 gallon, mixed reef, SPS and wrasse dominant

09/12/2015, 10:34 AM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	I would look into the Pukani rock he has live and dry very large pieces he has just brought a batch of them.