how much LR

[Aquaman]

I have a 30 gallon tank with about 24 gallons of water after displacement. If I wanted to add some live rock how much should I start out with and what do I need to do before putting it in the tank?

[Rock Anemone]

Can you give us some more information on the set-up? I would aim for around 30 pounds of good quality cured live rock. If that doesn't seem to be enough you can always add more. Don't add it to a tank that already has inhabitants in it (fish corals) as it will cause a small increase in water parims such as nitrite, nitrate and ammonia. If the tank is stocked, adding it slowly and making sure it is FULLY CURED rock is the best way to go.

Rock Anemone

[Aquaman]

cool, can you explain the difference between cured and uncured rock?

[Rock Anemone]

Uncured live rock has much more life on it as it is straight from the ocean to you. There are downsides. It will have a lot of die off which will cause a large cycle in an aquarium. It has a very bad smell as well due to all the die off. Also, using uncured live rock you have a higher risk of introducing things such as mantis shrimp into your tank and other unwanted critters. Usually uncured live rock will cost less then cured however will need much more effort. Don't add uncured live rock to a tank unless you are starting a brand new tank and will go through a 1-2 month cycle allowing it to become cured. You can cure it in a seperate container with water, filtration, heat and lights but IMO, I would want to just get it over with and go with cured.

Cured live rock has been sitting in holding/aquaculture tanks for awhile therefor does not contain many harmful critters or much die off.

Rock Anemone:D