Reef Rack System 06/06/2008
Hi Bob,
<<Andrew today>>
I was looking for a product called Reef Rack Systems. As I sure you know it, it allows live rock to be stacked. I looked on the web with no avail. Would you happen to have any info on this product?
Thank you, Joe
<<I do not know of a supplier for the Reef Racking exact product. However, to achieve reef staging, the simple PVC pipe from places like homedepot.com, which is about 3/4 inch in diameter, with elbows, makes for a very much cheaper version, and achieves exactly the same goal. Many many reef aquarist's go down this route of PVC pipe work for the rack, instead of paying through the nose for the expensive reef racking or staging. Hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Nano-Cube HQI Aquarium Kit 5/7/08 Hello WWM Crew, hope you are all well and thank you for all that you do!! <Doing well here, WWM is a pleasure to be part of and help out.> I have to downsize (sad I know) my 100 gal to a 30 gal reef tank. Breaks my heart it does. <I bet!> Although I did look I couldn’t find anything on direct experience with this prepackaged system. Have any of you gotten any feedback on if this thing and if it’s various parts work for more than a week? <There are many systems similar to this out and about on the market now (many originate from the same manufacturer under different labels), all seem to function just fine.> If so, it would fit my space needs perfectly. Here’s the setup; 150 watt 14000°K HQI metal halide lighting (4) Nite-Vu LED lighting with separate power cord (2) UL-Listed Accela Powerheads (266 gph each for a 532 gph total) (2) Directional flow nozzles (1) Ocean Pulse Duo - Alternating wavemaker (4) Integrated cooling fans (3,000 RPM's) Counter current protein skimmer with air pump 3-stage filtration with removable media basket Center overflow system Designated area for a heater Flame retardant ABS canopy housing Thermal protector for canopy (Auto Shut Off protection) I thought I would also add a small chiller since I’m concerned about temp variations in this small a volume. <A good idea, the main problem with these systems is temperature fluctuations with the MH light.> Thanks again for you time. If you’ve already done a review of this system I’m sorry to ask again, please just post the link. <We do not generally review products per se, just give opinions when asked. My only other word of advice regarding this system is the skimmer. The little limewood driven skimmers do work quite well, just be aware the limewood will require periodic replacement to keep the skimmer working well. If this is a concern for you there are many aftermarket skimmers made just for these systems nowadays. The Tunze Nano DOC being my personal favorite.> Take care, Joe <Joe, do realize that you can have an amazing tank even with the smaller volume. Livestock choices, stability and maintenance routines just become all that much more important with the smaller tank. Cheers, Scott V.>

Re: Nano-Cube HQI Aquarium Kit 5/7/08 Hello WWM Crew, hope you are all well and thank you for all that you do!! <Doing well here, WWM is a pleasure to be part of and help out.> I have to downsize (sad I know) my 100 gal to a 30 gal reef tank. Breaks my heart it does. <I bet!> Although I did look I couldn’t find anything on direct experience with this prepackaged system. Have any of you gotten any feedback on if this thing and if it’s various parts work for more than a week? <There are many systems similar to this out and about on the market now (many originate from the same manufacturer under different labels), all seem to function just fine.> If so, it would fit my space needs perfectly. Here’s the setup; 150 watt 14000°K HQI metal halide lighting (4) Nite-Vu LED lighting with separate power cord (2) UL-Listed Accela Powerheads (266 gph each for a 532 gph total) (2) Directional flow nozzles (1) Ocean Pulse Duo - Alternating wavemaker (4) Integrated cooling fans (3,000 RPM's) Counter current protein skimmer with air pump 3-stage filtration with removable media basket Center overflow system Designated area for a heater Flame retardant ABS canopy housing Thermal protector for canopy (Auto Shut Off protection) I thought I would also add a small chiller since I’m concerned about temp variations in this small a volume. <A good idea, the main problem with these systems is temperature fluctuations with the MH light.> Thanks again for you time. If you’ve already done a review of this system I’m sorry to ask again, please just post the link. <We do not generally review products per se, just give opinions when asked. My only other word of advice regarding this system is the skimmer. The little limewood driven skimmers do work quite well, just be aware the limewood will require periodic replacement to keep the skimmer working well. If this is a concern for you there are many aftermarket skimmers made just for these systems nowadays. The Tunze Nano DOC being my personal favorite.> Take care, Joe <Joe, do realize that you can have an amazing tank even with the smaller volume. Livestock choices, stability and maintenance routines just become all that much more important with the smaller tank. Cheers, Scott V.>

Getting Back In To The Hobby...A Lot Has Seemed To Change (Indeed!) – 04/21/08
HI gents,
<<Some very sharp ladies here as well…and hello!>>
Michael here, and I am setting up a brand new tank.
<<Neat>>
The tank is ordered, dimensions 60x18x30 flat back hex.
<<Ah…so about 125-gallons or so (taking in to account the “Hex” design)>>
I am going to be DIY-ing the stand and a three chambered sump rough dimensions 48x24x18 and probably will be half filled when running.
<Okay>>
The first chamber will be getting the water supply from the main tank and will house the skimmer (suggestions on type/brand/model).
<<Euro-Reef is my current fave…an RS-80 or maybe RS-100 would do fine here>>
The second chamber will house a deep sand bed and some live rock and possibly some algae (suggestion of type)
<<Chaetomorpha gets my vote for its “user-friendliness”>>
and will be lit during the main tank dark times. And finally the third chamber will have the heaters, calcium reactor (suggestion needed),
<<I have/use one from Precision Marine…the CR-422 would serve your system, but do also take a look at the offerings from Knop…and the new line of Octopus reactors with “screw-tops” looks interesting as well>>
and return pump. Lighting will come from a Current metal halide/CF fixture about 600watts) hanging from the ceiling. My goal is to have the tank turning over as much as the built in overflows can handle (not sure how much this will be, at least 12x I am guessing).
<<For 1” drains figure about 300gph per…700gph or so for 1.5” drains>>
The tank itself will have between 90 and 125 lbs of LR
<<Take care not to overload with rock…leave plenty of space for fish to swim, corals to grow, water to move about… And rather than the typical (and boring?) “rock wall”…consider a little researching to replicate a particular “niche” from the reef, and stocking with animals found re>>
and 120 LBS of LS and have several types of soft and hard corals and maybe 5-10 damsels
<<Choose species carefully here as most Damsels will not get along in these numbers for the long term, in this size system>>
and a tang or two and a clown fish or two.
<<But hopefully no Anemone mixed in with your sessile inverts>>
I am hoping this stock of fish will not be too much and that my setup will be sufficient.
<<The stocking density looks fine…though you may want to consider a more “cooperative” group of small fishes other than the damsels>>
Please help with suggestion on a high to medium skimmer and a descent calcium reactor.
<<Have done so>>
Going to send in pictures of the setup process and at various stages and the finally setup once done.
<<Sounds good…look forward to seeing it>>
Michael Wade
York, SC
<<Eric Russell…Columbia, SC>>

Setting Up a 113g Reef Cube – 04/09/08
Hi all,
<<Hello Michael>>
Maybe I should divide this into a couple different emails since it's questions involving 2 different future set ups. If that's the case, feel free to edit and split however you see fit.
<<Mmm, well…it’s all here as “one” now, so let’s see how it goes>>
I value your website and your advice very much and would like to thank you in advance!!!
<<Quite welcome>>
Okay, here's the deal, I currently have 2 mixed reef tanks, a 46 and a 75. My 46 has 2X96 watt PC lighting and my 75 has a 6 bulb 48" Tek 5 fixture that I love!!
<<Metal Halide is my current fave…but admit the T5 lighting is quite nice>>
I'm in the process of setting up a 113 gallon cube tank. I purchased a used tank that measures 36" long, 25" front to back and 29" high. I plan for this tank to be predominately SPS but will also have some LPS and Clams.
<<I see>>
My first question is about lighting. I realize that with a depth of 29" I'll most likely need to go with MH lighting.
<<Will provide the most “bang for the buck” in the space allowed, yes>>
I am absolutely have to go with 400 watts or if 250 watts will be enough.
<<250w lamps will serve quite well…I suggest two>>
I do want to be able to keep Acros but am more than willing to keep the higher light demanding corals higher in the tank.
<<Is always a good plan regardless of the wattage used>>
I plan to keep Acros in the upper portion of the tank, lower light demanding SPS, such as Montipora in the middle level and LPS towards the bottom.
< I think it is a mistake to believe Montipora species won’t appreciate the same light levels as we assume Acropora species “require.” Many Montipora species, especially branching varieties, will grow faster and color-up better under intense lighting, in my experience. But even so, the 250w halides will provide sufficient light re for the Montipora at “middle level”… and for many Acropora species as well>>
I'll use the same philosophy with my clams. Will 250 watts be enough?
<<Yes>>
I know absolutely nothing at all about MH lighting and have soooo much to learn. I see different types of ballasts, magnetic, electronic, etc. I see mogul and DE bulbs, I see pulse start....non pulse start...German bulbs.....I'm sooo confused...lol. I don't know what any of this means at all!!
<<Can be daunting…but do start reading here and among the links in blue at the tops of the pages. Formulate some specific questions and give me a holler if you wish>>
I'm assuming, because of the dimensions of this tank that I'll be able to hang a single pendant above the tank.
<<You could, though this will limit the numbers/species you can keep as light toward the ends of the tank will be quite dim>>
That brings up the question of how to supplement actinic lighting with either PC or T5s.
<<Not necessary…but if you wish, either will do fine>>
I'm also considering building a canopy and installing a MH retro pendant and supplemental actinics.
<<A fine idea>>
Any and all suggestions or advice would be wonderful.
<<Do some reading, and then come back with more specific questions if necessary>>
I am still in the planning stages of this tank and plan to drill it for a closed-loop system as well as for an overflow and return for a sump/refugium I'll be building.
<<Excellent>>
Any advice on placement, number and size of holes would be great!!
<<Much to be stated… Read here (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/plumbingmarart.htm) and here (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pbretfaq2.htm) and come back with specific questions about what you want to do>>
Drilling brings up another question. I've heard and read that you can determine if your tank is all tempered by looking at the glass through polarized sunglasses. Any advice on this?
<<Don’t think I’ve heard/know about this. Most all production tanks of size and of recent manufacture will have at the least a tempered bottom panel. I would think your tank would probably be OK to drill through a side panel…but I suggest you contact the manufacturer to be sure>>
From what I can tell, there are no markings at all on any of the glass panes.
<<New tanks would have tempered panels marked (usually a sticker), but since your tank is used……>>
I sure don't want to shatter my tank...lol.
<<Agreed…can give one quite a start>>
Also, is there any way to determine if this tank has ever had copper based medicine used in it?
<<Mmm…try adding some water…let it stand a while…test the water>>
If so, does that make it impossible to use it as a reef tank?
<<Maybe not… If you detect copper, you may be able to remove it (depending on how much trouble you wish to go to) with a proprietary copper remover (e.g. – Seachem’s Cupramine)>>
Now on to my next project...The above mentioned cube will replace my 46 gallon bowfront and the 46 gallon will be turned into a Seahorse tank. I'm still in the beginning stages of learning about Seahorses as well. I understand there a HUGE difference between reef and seahorse tanks when it comes to flow, temperature and such.
<Indeed>>
I'm thinking that I'll utilize the current PC lighting that I have on the 46. I'll cut way back on flow by removing the modified MJ1200s and replacing them with...I don't know. I've heard that it's not a good idea to have any power heads in a seahorse tank.
<<As weak swimmers, such devices can be harmful if employed without some thought to diffusing flow/protecting intakes, yes>>
This tank has a HOB CPR Aquafuge, the large size. It also has an AquaC Remora HOB Skimmer. Will these 2 units provide enough flow?
<<I would think so>>
They both have the standard pumps. With these in place, I don't have room to add a HOB box type power filter. I've used the HOB power filters such as AC100s and turned them into mini fuges by removing the filter media and replacing with Chaeto. This would supplement flow but there's just no room. I could use a canister filter to supplement flow if needed. Any and all suggestions for this would be great too!!
<<I very much suggest you visit the Seahorse forums for better detailed info than I can provide (http://www.seahorse.com/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,218/func,showcat/catid,2/)>>
Last question....for now....I would really like this tank to house 2 species of seahorses.
<<Not usually recommended>>
I understand that different species have different temperature requirements and such. If I were to get 2 species from the same region, would I be okay? If I'm unable to house 2 different species and still provide proper conditions for both, I won't. What species would you recommend for someone who does have experience with reef tanks but none with seahorses? I'd also like to house 2 of whatever species I have.
<<Ocean Rider offers excellent “tank raised” specimens that are good choices for novice “horse keepers.” I suggest you contact them (http://www.seahorse.com/contact/Carol_Ann_Cozzi-Schmarr/) and let Carol advise you on your selection>>
Again, thank you so much for any information, suggestions or advice you're able to provide. You guys are awesome!!
Sincerely,
Michael
<<Happy to assist, Michael. Be chatting, EricR>>

Moving up to a 110 gallon system... reading re stkg., canister filters/reef   3/15/08
Hello Crew,
<Cinnamon, let me in!>
I have been a fan of your site since I found it. Great advice.
<Thanks>
Here in my question. I currently have a 60 gallon reef system. I am running a Marineland Emperor Bio-Wheel 400 Power Filter, a Aqua C Remora Protein Skimmer with Maxijet 1200 Pump and a Current Orbit(2) 65w Dual Daylight and (2) 65w Dual Actinic lighting system. Two MaxiJet 1200 powerheads and One 200 watt heater. I also have about 60 to 80 lbs of live rock and a 2 to 3 inch sand bed.
The current residents of the 60 gallon, (listed below) will be relocating to the 110 gallon mentioned below. Except for the tomato clowns and the Yellow Belly Blue Damsel. They will be going back to the LFS.
1 yellow tang 4in
2 tomato clowns
1 Lyretail Anthias 3"
1 Yellow Belly Blue Damsel
1 Coral Beauty Angelfish 4"
2 Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp
1 Fire Shrimp
2 Serpent Starfish
1 Hawaiian Feather Duster
15 assorted snails
1 Long tentacle anemone and 1 short tentacle
Several different types of mushrooms, polyps and Zoanthids.
I purchased the 110 gallon tank, (48 x 30 x 18) with no overflow, to be my new reef system. My plan is to run a Eheim 2028 Professionel II Canister Filter,
<Mmm, good product... I use them on my FW tanks... but am not such a fan for marine... part. reef set-ups. Please see WWM re: http://wetwebmedia.com/marcanfiltuse.htm>
two Hydor Koralia 3 - 850GPH powerheads, Aqua C Remora Pro Protein Skimmer with Mag 3 Pump, two Aquarium Systems Visi-Therm 200 Watt Heater and the Current Orbit(2) 65w Dual Daylight and (2) 65w Dual Actinic lighting system which is on my current system. I know my current lighting system will need to be upgraded at some point, but do you think I will be able to go with this one for now?
<If you can arrange your stinging-celled life to be about the same depth of water as currently>
I will also have about 75 to 100 lbs of live rock and a 2 to 3 inch sand bed. Any recommendations would be helpful?
<Deeper, finer substrate is better... also posted: http://wetwebmedia.com/marsubstr.htm
and the linked files above.>
I would also like to add the following resident to the new system, if you approve? I do not want to overload my system.
2 Maroon Clownfish
1 Blonde Naso Tang. I know he will need to be in a larger system in a couple of years.
<Mmm, no... immediately. I would not keep a Naso species in anything less than six feet long/wide... See... WWM... re...>
Already planning on a 180 system.
1 Full size angel?
<... Not a good idea>
Hardy and reef safe any suggestions?
<Posted...>
I know there is no guarantee on it being reef safe.
1 Blue Jaw Trigger or Niger Trigger?
A group of schooling fish. Any suggestions?
<Reading. Bob Fenner>

Re: Setting Up 110 Gallon Reef System 03/21/2008
Hello Again Crew,
<<G'Morning, Andrew today>>
This is Ron. A.K.A. the Mystery Man...
Thanks for the advice. I have attached my first inquiry email, I sent to you. I want to make sure I have everything right before I make my purchase of equipment and livestock. I apologize in advance, if I am being repetitive. O. K. here we go.
<<No need to apologise>>
Equipment I am going with for this 110 gallon future reef:
RENA Filstar XP 3 Canister Filter. I am not going to use the Emperor 400. If that is alright?
<<I see down below your going for 120lbs of live rock in a 110 gal tank. With this amount of live rock, a filter is not need as the rock will provide your filtration. However, if adding a filter is your choice, then the XP3 is a good one to choose>>
Aqua C Pro with Mag pump protein skimmer.
<<Great skimmer>>
120 lbs or more of live rock.
<<Good>>
CaribSea Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand 2 in. depth.
<<Good>>
2 Hydro Koralia 3 (850 GPH) This gives me 1700 GPH. I was thinking 1 Hydro Koralia 3 (850 GPH) and 1 Hydro Koralia 2 (600 GPH)? I do want to blow the DSB around?
<<As this is to be a reef, you'll need around about 2600GPH water circulation, so, combinations of the Hydors will achieve this>>
2 Aquarium Systems Visi-Therm 200 Watt Heaters.
<<Good>
Lighting supplied with a Current Orbit (2) 65w Dual Daylight and (2) 65w Dual Actinic lighting system.
<<Good>>
I will move the soft coral to the upper part of the tank and the anemones are coming out (LFS gift). I will upgrade the lighting within the next few months.
<<in my opinion this lighting is not good enough for anemone's. I high powered T5 or Metal Halide should be used for them>>
That's it as far as equipment. I hope? Any more suggestions will be welcomed.
<<All seem fine to me>>
As far as livestock, for this future reef tank.
No more tangs. As you advised me, in your previous reply.
Is there any kind of show fish I can have? Full size Angel, Butterfly, etc.?
What about some kind of schooling fish? What kind would you suggest and how many?
<<There is a lot of fish you can have in there, but of course, compatibility with the corals is the harder part. It is unfortunate that most of the real "show" fish are not completely compatible with corals. Angels and butterflies being two of them>>
Thanks Again.
We are out here and we are listening.....
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Tank Setup Update 2/27/08
Hello Crew and Bob
<Hello Brian, Scott V. with you today.>
I'm writing you today not to ask questions but to give you a update on my new reef tank ;)
<OK>
Thanks to Scott V and Mike at www.glass-holes.com I have put together the perfect reef setup. I ordered a 1500g overflow box kit which came with the diamond bit and all accessories needed for the overflow including a cool glass-holes.com tee shirt and some hard candies.
Thanks Scott and Mike
<I am happy to hear everything worked out well.>
So here's my tank setup we'll see how perfect it is as of today.
Cycling the aquarium started 2-21-08 so its 5 days old..
55 lbs of live rock from Dr Foster and Smith "Nice stuff by the way"
70 lbs of sand bed. It’s about 5 inches deep.
The sump actually overflows into the refuge...My idea but with Scott V helping me with this idea .Thanks again Scott, it works perfect.
<Good to hear.>
2 DIY refuge's 1 has 6 inches of sand other has 4 inches of refuge mud I plan on growing macro after the cycle is completed..
No light over refuge as of yet.
And then 2 Mag drive 12 pumps returning water through Vinyl Tubing 3/4" so total I'm pumping roughly 1400 gph total I'm thinking?
<I would like to state for other’s sake that I would not typically recommend this much pump on two 1 ½” bulkheads. Yours is a situation that allowed it with your particular plumbing combination and head pressure.>
Lighting is the Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights total watts is 216
I plan on just LPS tank at the moment..
My skimmer is junk
Skimmer I'm ordering from Scott V he just doesn't know it yet ;)
<Heee, I do now!>
Tank specs as of tonight 2-26-08 , 5:00 pm
Water is RO
Water change 10 gal weekly
Sal 1.024
<I would raise this a bit to 1.025-1.026.>
Temp 80
PH 8.2
Amm 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate 5.0 ppm
Alk 3.0
Cal 100
I'm ignoring Alk and Cal readings above only because it’s a new tank!
I added a 2 part calcium/Alk called C-balance tonight rechecking numbers tomorrow hoping these numbers will balance (Alk 2.5 Cal 420).
<Yes, do supplement to get these numbers up.>
I'm guessing these numbers are good for the tank being 5 days old
That's about all I can think of tonight I hope I didn't leave anything out.
With all this finally done I owe many people like WWM Crew and Bob Fenner for this Web site as I am an everyday reader a BIG THANK YOU for everything you guys/gals do!  <<This is what makes all the time, daily... worthwhile. RMF>>
>:((((-<
Brian Coble, Wisconsin
<You are welcome Brian, I am glad we could help. Thank you for all the kind words and the update on your system. Scott V., in sunny California.>

No Questions, Just Thanks 2/19/08
Hi Crew
<Hi Garry>
Having been away from the hobby for over ten years (major family illness meant no time) I am now approaching that time when the reef bug has caught hold and gone from being latent to rampant again.
<Ah, the bug has bit.>
Much has changed, although I seem to have done much of what is current anyway, refugia, big skimmers, live rock filtration methods, etc etc (more by accident than design I might add), and finding your site has allowed the dream and adventure to begin on a much more solid foundation than before. I know my stocking rates have always been light and my filtration heavy but it always worked for me and I only ever seemed to lose a fish shrimp or whatever through old age or accident. It is good to know that what I did in the past is advised as being the way to go today.
<Not much has changed but technology.>
So this is just a big thank you to everyone from Bob to Steve to anyone who replies to the thousands of questions people come up with. Your site has replaced a lot of faith I have lost with the industry (hobby) what with shops who don't have a clue (keeping a few small wrasse with an Anglerfish is just one example), and staff about as knowledgeable (sorry if that's spelt wrong) as a garbage man in a hospital.
<Thank you for your kind words. James (Salty Dog)>
Regards
Garry Holter (in the UK)
Oh I'm an ecologist by training and understand community structure very well (it formed my D.Phil research for 4 years) and boy does that help in structuring a reef aquarium. <<Would very much encourage your writing... re the many useful tie-ins here. Bob Fenner>>
<Mmmm>

75 gallon system, reef set-up Qs   2/2/08
Hey guys,
<Mr. Christian>
It's been a while since I have last written to you guys, and since then I have been forced to tear down the tank, and attempt to start it up once again, thus of course leading to many more questions! It is a standard 75 gallon tank with a built in overflow which leads down to a SeaLife Systems wet/dry 125 in which I have replace the bio balls with live rock rubble.... The next section of the wet/dry is where the useless SeaLife Systems protein skimmer and rio return pump sit, both of which no longer work and are the main reasons for the collapse of the beautiful tank I used to have. My plan for this tank is to go full blown reef with many different inverts and just a couple small reef safe fish. So, here is the equipment I am looking into buying for my new setup: (I haven't bought them yet so please tell me if you have any suggestions)
Protein Skimmer - Euro Reef RS100
<Good unit>
Lighting - Outer Orbit 48" 2x 150w 10K Metal halides with 2x 130 w actinic PC's
Live Rock - 90 lbs of liveaquaria.com's select Lalo LR
Sandbed - Want a 4" deep sandbed to help with NNR, is it possible to use sand bought from Home Depot for this?
<Mmm, possibly... they used to carry a calcareous play sand... but not all is of such a nature... Do you know of the "acid test"? See here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marsubstr.htm
and the linked files above>
Perhaps supplement with other Live Sand?
<Good idea>
Also do you know approximately how many pounds I would need to create a 4" deep bed?
<Mmm... about thirty pounds per square foot of bottom>
Pumps/Circulation - Return pump will be a Rio 20HF, and the in tank powerheads will be a Tunze Turbelle Stream 6060 (too much flow do you think?)
<Not too much>
and also on the side of the return, a Hydor Koralia NANO.
Anyways, these are just my plans so far, please give me your suggestions, opinions. etc. Can't wait to hear back from you guys and thanks a bunch.
-Christian
<Thus far, so good... Bob Fenner>

R4: Lighting For 65g Biotope Shallow Reef Clam Tank (But Not “Really” A Biotope…Bummer) – 01/23/08
Hi again, Eric
<<Hello Barb!>>
Here I am again! :)
<<Me too!>>
I read up on the shrimp goby/shrimp symbionts; they sound like my cup of tea.
<<Cool>>
Thanks for the link.
<<Quite welcome>>
My question for keeping them regards the substrate. For the DSB I was planning on using the sugar-fine aragonite.
<<Mmm yes, I recall…not the “best” for the shrimp/goby>>
However, I've read that a coarser sand bed is preferred by a lot of these creatures.
<<Indeed… And more than preferred…is necessary… to allow them to build structures/tunnels that won’t collapse>>
Comments?
<<Easy enough to rectify by adding some substrate of a larger grain size…along with some crushed shells>>
From what I've read, mixing different sized sands doesn't work well for DSB. What are your thoughts on that?
<<I disagree… Adding a few pounds of larger aggregate will do no harm to the DSB>>
I understand your comments about including an anemone in this system. If I want to do this I need to thoroughly understand the anemone type so that it is protected.
<<Along with protecting its tankmates>>
I get how sensitive they are, and I certainly wouldn't want to torture something just so I have something cool to look at!
<<And it wouldn’t likely be for long at that. Do consider that there has been some speculation that anemones may be truly “immortal” creatures, never showing any signs/wear-and-tear of aging. Succumbing only to the vagaries of their environment. Considering this…keeping one of these animals “alive for a few years” can hardly be deemed as “success”>>
I am reading about allelopathy and it is slow going.
<<Patience, Grasshopper>>
Complicated, to say the least <I'm thinking you probably know this :) > I do see why you suggest adding extra filtration.
<<Indeed>>
If and when I get my mind around the subject I’ll probably ask more questions! :-/
<<Okey-dokey!>>
Re: light bulb choices; you say that it would be good to add more lower Kelvin rated bulbs; is the GE 65K Daylight bulb the type you are talking about?
<<It is, yes…to replace the more “blue” bulbs in your previous selection…as would be most any of the true 10,000K bulbs available>>
Adding more of that type would "give more output/provide more useful spectrum"?
<<Yes… A 65K bulb will have far better output than most of the “blue” bulbs, and it will still have enough light in the blue spectrum for your livestock’s needs. Generally, adding blue/actinic light is for the aquarist’s enjoyment>>
And, one New question concerning Live Rock; what is your opinion of aquacultured live rock/live sand? I'm referring specifically to Tampa Bay Saltwater's rock/sand. I was reading about it on several different forums, and it sure does make some beautiful looking tanks.
<< I prefer to stay away from this, though use the aquacultured rock if you wish…just be sure to cure it thoroughly yourself. It won’t cause any harm, but I have heard many experiences of pest organisms (Aiptasia/mantis shrimp) coming in with this rock. And not that this can’t be the case with “any” rock…but a good quality “natural” live rock will be lighter (much “cultured” rock is Limestone), and have better biodiversity…in my opinion. Oh yeah…don’t pay money for “live sand” if you can help it. Add a suitable “dry” sand and it will become “live” in short order from the rock, corals, et al>>
Re: cats and snow. When my kitty touched snow for the first time she shot straight up in the air LOL... like about 3ft in the air. She was very sad when she landed right back in it!
<<We’re still waiting to give ours a go in the snow…might be years yet!>>
And, lastly, I mentioned my son lives at the beach on Topsail Island?
<<Yes>>
On Monday morning it was 11f there, and all his pipes froze!
<<Yikes… Was about 23F here…still colder than we like/are used to>>
He wasn't happy about that, but he did get the day off work to deal with it. He always likes a day off from work.
<<You know what they say…a bad day at most anything, beats a good day at work!>>
Thanks again for help with my (probably annoying) new-to-the-reef questions!
Barb
<<Not at all, Barb…I look forward to further exchanges. Eric Russell>>