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#1
12/07/2007, 09:49 PM
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thinking of going bb...
So I'm thinking about going barebottom in my 20g. I already have a completely overkill skimmer on the tank - a Deltec MCE600, and don't mind putting some money into upgrading the flow (just running two MJ1200s and the skimmer currently).
Reasons for wanting to take out the sand: 1) The tank has been set up for nearly two years, and the medium sand bed (2-3 inches) is starting to look tired. I don't have any cyano, or sand issues yet, but I'm thinking it could be a matter of time before I do. I have a fair amount of nassarius snails, worms, and other sandbed creatures keeping it stirred up, but it's still not looking great. 2) I'm wanting to take the tank in the direction of mostly SPS, and I'm maxed out on flow without creating sandstorms. 3) I think I would feel better about overfeeding the tank if I could siphon detritus out once a week when I do a water change instead of knowing that it's accumulating in the sand. I've pretty much made up my mind, and have researched and read a lot of info, but if any of you guys who are actually running bb have any advice for me on the transition, I would REALLY appreciate hearing it! I have a couple specific questions: 1) Should I order a piece of starboard for the bottom? It's a standard AGA 20H. If I get starboard, should I bevel the edges? Right now, I'm leaning toward ordering some, and getting the edges beveled... 2) How long should I take to remove the sand? I'm thinking over the course of a month or so, siphoning about 1/4 out once a week when I do a water change. 3) Should I buy new LR and "cook" it, or keep my LR? Part of me wants to get new rock, so I can "start fresh" with no nuisance mushrooms (you know, the ones that are cool when you're a noob, then they start to take over the tank, and you don't have as much room as you'd like to have for "cool" stuff, and they sting corals that you like more than them...). OK, I think that's all my questions. Like I said, anybody who has any advice or input, please don't hesitate to tell me! I know some people hate the look of bb - I really like it though - there are much more interesting things (IMO) to look at than sand! Thanks in advance!! Anna 
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#2
12/07/2007, 09:58 PM
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Any platics place has it in stock & will cut it for you,
I would take everything out of the tank & take out sand all at once, I lost my tank trying to do a little at a time. The stuff in the middle & bottom is poison. You can get new LR, or just cook what you got. Take out & dry out your LR. Then get a few pieces from someone to reseed it when you are ready. Just my opion, I am not expert though
__________________
My wife said to choose between the reef tank & her...........I am sure going to miss her! |
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#3
12/07/2007, 10:07 PM
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Thank you xroads! I have been concerned about the possible nasties in the bottom/middle, and taking it out in increments. I have looked at the bottom through the bottom glass, and it is starting to get a bit dark - part of the reason that I'm concerned about the sand! I'm sure I'm not the only person whose significant other has looked at them like they are a crazy person when they lay on the ground with their head in the stand looking at the bottom of their sand bed with a flash light...right?
 I kind of want to pick up some of the Lalo live rock from Liveaquaria - I really like the looks of it! I sure would like to win the $1000 shopping spree that they have a contest for right now! Here's a link in case anybody hasn't seen it yet (I hope it's ok to post, since they are a sponsor!): http://www.drsfostersmith.com/shoppi...2007-_-LANlink Anna |
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#4
12/08/2007, 12:22 PM
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I would take out all the sand at 1 time - and I don't remember the exact goal of "cooking" your rock, but it's not really geared toward removing mushrooms/coral you no longer want. I think (been awhile since I read the goals of cooking rock) people cook their rock to get rid of nuisance algae and to get rid of the stuff that's leaching phosphates.
Although in a 20g you're not going to spend a whole lot on brand new LR so if you want to then I say go for it! You'll experience a mini cycle so I'm not sure what else is in your tank but you might want to remove everything and just start completely afresh. I prefer the look of starboard, but its really just for protection from rock falls - so if you don't have a lot of rock stacked its probably unnecessary whatever you decide for flow my advice would be to keep it low and try to keep the bottom of your tank clean and the detritus in the water column to get it to the skimmer for removal. and I realize my first tank is mid-cycle so I'm don't have the most experience - but I've read and discussed this alot so that's the way I've set up my tank so I obviously think it will work - i guess time will tell!
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Go Vols! |
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#6
12/08/2007, 02:11 PM
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LOL! I wonder how many non-reefers have gotten unexpected search results because of that term...
 PM returned. Anna |
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#7
12/08/2007, 02:47 PM
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Quote:
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"Good enough is the enemy of excellence." |
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#8
12/08/2007, 03:44 PM
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LOL
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#10
12/08/2007, 09:44 PM
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I think I've decided on some new rock! I am going to order 25 pounds shipped next day of this:
http://www.pacificeastaquaculture.co...d%3d5%23T+2004 I am going to leave the tank running as is until the new rock is done "cooking". I think Jason (glaspie69) is going to hook me up with some starboard tomorrow when we go pick up our frags, so starboard it is! I promise to post before & after pictures! The tank doesn't look very nice right now - there is some hair algae, a little valonia (bubble algae), and some aiptasia (came with some frags I bought - ugh!). My SPS are thriving though - coloring up REALLY nice, and growing & encrusting like crazy, so I guess I'm doing something right! Anna
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#11
12/11/2007, 04:15 PM
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The new rock is here! I'm really happy with it! The packing was really good - there was no breakage at all!
         Hopefully the cooking process will go quickly!! Anna
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