Live rock requirements for a new tank

[randy123]

The rule I was told was 1-1.5 pounds of live rock per gallon of water. You don't have to buy premium for everything, those are show pieces. There are also "base" live rock pieces (a little cheaper) to go on the bottom levels when you are building it up. They do come with some interesting critters too. The dry (unpopulated rock) likely wont be as atrractive and can just be kept in your sump in a utilitarian role. Just be aware that it takes some time for the live rock to populate the dead rock with the bacteria and all that good stuff.

[tHeHEYzeus]

Thanks, using the cheaper rock for pieces that aren't being showcased makes a lot of sense. Do you have any idea how much live rock would be required to populated regular rock?