Too much LR?

[CJ858]

So how much is too much? I have about 25 pieces ranging from 3-4lbs and then a couple larger pieces at about 30-40lbs in my new 50gal reef tank. Oh yeah my 20 gallon sump is pretty full too.. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161231/c548cb475faf40bde70f90c70ba923ea.jpg

[CJ858]

Not sure why the picture is sideways.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161231/b0513ba2cf3eb6b8001f5e65fc21a6db.jpg

[cshplumber]

My problem when setting up my 60 cube was I got all my best pieces of rock from my 110 that I was breaking down and it looked awesome (IMHO) but then as I bought corals (that comes on rocks) my tank got too full and had to be rearranged several times. So, unless you are very patient and buy all your corals small to let them grow over you're existing rock you might want to open it up a little so your fish have room to swim through your rock work. You've got plenty for biological filtration

[CJ858]

I was thinking the same thing. I would rather have my fish more comfortable and happy than it filled to the top..even though it looks as rad as it does. I am slowly but surely weeding out my least favorite rocks. Thx for the quick reply Chris.

[sushi]

No way man I like it! Also lots more surface area for your biological filtration factory, but that's my opinion. If you're using a skimmer it doesn't matter as much. I like more rock though, yours looks nice to me. And lots of nice little caves for your shy fish. They have plenty of room!

[CJ858]

No way man I like it! Also lots more surface area for your biological filtration factory, but that's my opinion. If you're using a skimmer it doesn't matter as much. I like more rock though, yours looks nice to me. And lots of nice little caves for your shy fish. They have plenty of room!
No skimmer yet.. as far as the filtration I will let the rocks do most of the work until I find a good deal on one. I feel the tank is not too congested at the moment. My clowns have "upgraded" to a 15 bedroom mansion.lol

[sushi]

I am a big fan of biological filtration. I have no mechanical filtration at all. Deep sand bed and lots of live rock, along with some GARF grunge http://www.garf.org/algae2/janitor.shtml#grunge and macros. My back chamber is full of sponges too.

Edit: I mean sea sponges. I removed my filter sponges several months ago. I think initially, for a year or so, filter sponges are a good idea. But eventually you have enough snails and little things that you don't even need sponges.

[CJ858]

I am a big fan of biological filtration. I have no mechanical filtration at all. Deep sand bed and lots of live rock, along with some GARF grunge http://www.garf.org/algae2/janitor.shtml#grunge and macros. My back chamber is full of sponges too.

Edit: I mean sea sponges. I removed my filter sponges several months ago. I think initially, for a year or so, filter sponges are a good idea. But eventually you have enough snails and little things that you don't even need sponges.
Now that sounds like my kind of set up!

[CJ858]

I've got miracle mud down in the sump and rocks but no sand yet.

[sushi]

I was inspired by crabbysd and then Sally Jo at GARF because I called her to talk about the GARF grunge. She is a huge advocate of biological filtration, she says no one needs skimmers and has 20+ years of tanks to prove it. Also it's cheaper, my #1 reason! But I like the eco system and no skimmer, all bio filtration.

[CMD2213]

One thing to keep in mind....
Detritus... you must eliminate all dead spots, yet be aware of the flow your corals can handle at the same time. For example high end shrooms low flow as for sps high flow. So tha would do great in your tank. Just consider the long term effects.

[CJ858]

One thing to keep in mind....
Detritus... you must eliminate all dead spots, yet be aware of the flow your corals can handle at the same time. For example high end shrooms low flow as for sps high flow. So tha would do great in your tank. Just consider the long term effects.
Gotcha, thx for the tip. Will pick out the right corals and make sure the flow is adjusted to appropriate levels

[CJ858]

I was inspired by crabbysd and then Sally Jo at GARF because I called her to talk about the GARF grunge. She is a huge advocate of biological filtration, she says no one needs skimmers and has 20+ years of tanks to prove it. Also it's cheaper, my #1 reason! But I like the eco system and no skimmer, all bio filtration.
Sounds like the skimmer takes out all the fun if you ask me! Haha but then again I really want tk experiment with both. I will definately be getting my hands on that garf when i get some substrate .

[sushi]

GARF grunge improved my tank more than anything else, it was amazing. Put it in and watch your tank bloom. It's filled with all kinds of substrate dwelling creatures, Coraline, sponges, tons of stuff. You can read on Google. Some people poo-poo it but many others including me have great things to say.