How many pounds of live rock should I put in my aquarium? This is one of the most common questions we get here at saltwater. The real answer is put in as much or as little as you want, as long as it looks good :). Whatever makes your aquarium look the best is probably the best answer. The age old answer is 1-2 pounds per gallon of water as a general recommendation. Live rock creates more surface area for bacteria to grow on it. The more rock, the more bacteria the more stable your aquarium can be.
| SMALL AQUARIUMS |
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| Tank Size | L x W x H |
Recommended Minimum |
Recommended Maximum |
| 2 1/2 gallon | 12" x 6" x 8" | 1 lbs | 3 lbs |
| 5 gallon | 16" x 8" x 10" | 3 lbs | 10 lbs |
| 10 gallon "Leader" | 20" x 10" x 12" | 8 lbs | 20 lbs |
| 15 gallon | 24" x 12" x 12" | 12 lbs | 30 lbs |
| 15 gallon High | 20" x 10" x 18" | 12 lbs | 30 lbs |
MID-SIZED AQUARIUMS |
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| Tank Size | L x W x H |
Recommended |
Recommended Maximum |
| 20 gallon High | 24" x 12" x 16" | 20 lbs | 40 lbs |
| 20 gallon Long | 30" x 12" x 12" | 20 lbs | 40 lbs |
| 25 gallon | 24" x 12" x 20" | 25 lbs | 50 lbs |
| 29 gallon | 30" x 12" x 18" | 29 lbs | 60 lbs |
| 30 gallon Breeder | 36" x 18" x 12" | 30 lbs | 60 lbs |
| 40 gallon Breeder | 36" x 18" x 16" | 40 lbs | 80 lbs |
| 40 gallon Long | 48" x 12" x 16" | 40 lbs | 80 lbs |
LARGE AQUARIUMS |
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| Tank Size | L x W x H |
Recommended |
Recommended Maximum |
| 50 gallon | 36" x 18" x 19" | 50 lbs | 100 lbs |
| 55 gallon | 48" x 13" x 21" | 55 lbs | 110 lbs |
| 65 gallon | 36" x 18" x 24" | 65 lbs | 130 lbs |
| 75 gallon | 48" x 18" x 21" | 75 lbs | 150 lbs |
| 90 gallon | 48" x 18" x 24" | 90 lbs | 180 lbs |
| 125 gallon | 72" x 18" x 21" | 125 lbs | 250 lbs |
| 150 gallon | 72" x 18" x 28" | 150 lbs | 300 lbs |
| 180 Gallon | 72" x 24" x 25" | 180 lbs | 360 lbs |
| 225 Gallon | 72" x 27.5" x 27.5" | 225 lbs | 450 lbs |