Dead Spots

[GQ22]

Just thought i'd share this before any one else makes this mistake. I made these reef racks out of PVC tubes and set up ledges around my tank with only the front exposed. the ledges created a about 10 inches caves depth with no water movements. The lack of water flow caused my nitrates to slowly creep up and cyna/red algae took over my tank. My elegance coral has since disappeared and i was getting roughly 3 cups of nasty skimmate a day. I have since taken them out and set up an all rock design to promote water flow. My skimmate is substantially lower and my my cyno and red algae are gone. If anybody want a reef rack for a frag or something just let me know.

 

[jackson6745]

Thanks for sharing GQ....this is why I prefer less rock in a reef.

 

[alrha]

GQ, you might want to try selling you reef rack on another post, you dont make it seem very desirable here.

 

[marrone]

Albert it sounded pretty desirable high nitrates & cyano. Atleast your getting your money worth from your skimmer.

 

[jhale]

I made racks the same way, but I placed a return from a CL on the bottom of my tank. I know there is flow through the "caves" because I can see stuff like pieces of food flying through them.
You just need more flow in the right spots. the racks were a good idea. they keep the rock off the bottom, and off itself.


I forgot to mention I have marinaboard on the bottom of my tank, no sand, so that's why I can have huge flow at the bottom.
If you have sand this won't work for you.
you should see my little micro hermits get blown around

[ April 14, 2005, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: jhale ]

 

[GQ22]

im not really trying to sell them, but they are a good idea if you have a few spare power heads you can stick in a cave. If any one wants them you can have it just something in return would be appreciated. If not no big deal.

 

[jenniebutterfly]

got pics?