Would like to see SSB tanks

[reefrubble]

I would like to see some pics of some SSB tanks ,THAT ARE DOING VERY WELL . I am setting up my tank again , and I want a SSB . I went from a SSB , to a BB tank , and I didn't like the look of the BB . Everyone seems to think you can't have a SSB tank , and have it do very well , for long . TIA Ted

[Ah64av8tor]

Ted, I think the key to a SSB is keeping it stirred and clean some SS Stars, cukes and the old vacuum should do the trick.

[markandkristen]

your exactly where im at. im wondering if i can keep a short sand bed with enough snails to turn it over.

i went bare bottom but not real impressed with the look of it

[reefrubble]

I think I will have to make some kind of stands , to keep the rock off the sand . That way it will be easier to keep clean . High flow I think will help also , but I don't want a sand storm . Ted

[playa0069u]

mine has been doing great since i started it.

[Northtampatang]

The pics in my gallery are all SSB tanks

[BillyFSU]

I run SSB with most of the LR stacked with PVC through it. Trick is to use larger sand grains (dont use southdown) and do as Greg posted. If the sand is too fine you won't be able to use higher flow and you'll get dead spots with cyano. My SSB ranges from 3" to 1/2" and my pistol shrimp decided on the 1/2" side (go figure) and has been with me for almost 2 years I think. I'll try and get some pics if my fiancee ever leaves the camera at home.


I have a minimal cleanup crew more for fun than any practicality (two hermit crabs, a few astrea snails, few turbos, a nassarius and a queen conch) in my 110 and only have one small spot that consistently gets cyano (it gets bad flow but I'm too lazy to fix it because I want to change up my circulation when I have some extra money).

[Kittikity]

What are the different types of critters you can use to stir the sand bed? Specific varieties please.. My sand bed is only about 1-2 inches deep..

Also, stupid question here.. Why is cyano so bad other than the look? I've always heard cyano was bad, but never exactly why..

[playa0069u]

i know, but forgot lol. for one it tends to smother things though. umm, i have ablout a half inch of sand in my top tank and 2 inches in my refuge.

[shibumi]

Originally posted by Kittikity
What are the different types of critters you can use to stir the sand bed? Specific varieties please.. My sand bed is only about 1-2 inches deep..

Also, stupid question here.. Why is cyano so bad other than the look? I've always heard cyano was bad, but never exactly why..

That ia very good question ..... I was searching and I could find anything real bad. just this:

"The aquarist's main objections to cyanobacteria are basically: First, it is unsightly. It can cover sand and rocks and is not particularly attractive. The other threat is that it can often smother corals, outcompeting them for both light and dissolved nutrients in the water column."
Here: http://www.absolutereef.com/forums/i...p?showtopic=36

And this info:
http://naturalaquariums.com/plantedtank/0608.html

but nothing really really bad .....

[playa0069u]

sweet I was right on

[Kittikity]

I don't think it's that unsightly.. A nice dark red color.. But smothering corals.. Yeah, bad cyano..

[bigt0706]

[bigt0706]

mine has been going for about 5 years now and in the deepest part it might be 2'' most of it is only 1'' - 1 1/2 ''

[tangwang]

Ted, here is my 125 sps tank, before I tore it down and went fish only with it earlier this year. I ran a SB of about 1" deep.

[reefrubble]

Matt , your like John. You guys never have problems with SSBs . It doesn't get a chance to get dirty. Ted

[tangwang]

Well, it's just a matter of how much work you want to put into it I change filter socks daily, syphon tank daily, empty skimmer cup daily, etc. Though heavy feedings for the fish, never really a chance for nutrients to build up in the sand bed...