Back To Basics/ Re-Set up

[Patti]

Hi Everybody,

I have to completely disassemble my 65 gallon reef tank, in order to move it 4 inches away from the wall to accomodate a new Sea Clone skimmer.Yes all that work for 4 inches

I have been using a large inside Lee's type skimmer since set up a year ago. I have always had trouble with green algea, but tests are fine. I use 4 VHO.
My questions are,
Substrate or no substrate ? The LFS fellow I consulted when I was starting out a year ago said all I need is just enough sand to cover the bottom, This advice does not seem to be working. This advice is coming from the same guy who told me I need 17 different types of live food to raise my baby damsels, which I learned later, rotifers are what they require for the first couple stages of growth.And this is the guy who sold me the yucky inside skimmer, a brand I've never even heard of. Needless to say I havent been back there since.
My second question is what is the best way to stack the rock ? Should it be in slight wall form ? Or piled sloping upwards toward one of the ends with the main current blowing towards the highest point of the slope ?
Or would that create possible debris pockets ?
Thanks In Advance For Your Time !
Patti

 

[Len]

Patti,

I'd go with 4" substrate composed of fine grade sand. Check out Ron's article on the subject: http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm

About the rock: arrange it in any fashion you like, with a goal of having a loose arrangement. People still often advise to have the rocks placed in such a manner that water doesn't stagnant and create detritus pockets; It's not a bad idea, but I'm not convinced detritus buildup is a critical issue; a healthy community composed of scavengers and detrivores should make quick work of this problem. The three main benefits I see in having porous rock formation structures are:
1. Habitation for fishes at night, or when frightened.
2. Increased surface area for habitation of species.
3. Increased habitation types for species diversification.

Simple goal: create as many passages and caves as possible. Other then that, fashion the rockwork any way that looks pleasing to you. It may be a good idea to check out pics of natural reefs, or other hobbyists tanks, to get ideas on how to aquascape. Be creative.

If you're able to refun the Sea Clone, there are a lot of other better hang-on skimmer choices available for just a smidgen more then what you paid for the Sea Clone. A skimmer should be a lifetime investment (at least the tank's lifetime); a few more bucks today will save you many dollars and headaches tomorrow. CPR, AquaC, Precision Marine, Aquamedic, and Knop all make better hang-on skimmers.

 

[Len]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Patti:
<STRONG>Hi Everybody,

I have always had trouble with green algea, but tests are fine.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd also invest in a R/O purification system if you don't already have one. The only workable method of reducing algae is to reduce nutrient availability. Aside from feedings, the only other source of nutrients are from the top-off water or from synthetic seawater changes that have been mixed with nutrient rich freshwater.

Keep in mind all new tanks will almost certainly have bouts with algae blooms. Don't lose heart if you're take is plagued for the first 2 years. Algae will eventually subside once the tank's biological community has matured and settled into balance - if you aren't continuously introducing new nutrients a la non-purified top-off water.

 

[Patti]

Thank You Leonard !

Thanks for the encouraging advice, I don't feel as frustrated anymore, knowing that it could be another year before my tank is truly stabilized.So there is hope for me and my tank yet.
Do you mind me asking what makes the other skimmers you mentioned slightly better than the Sea Clone ? I have one LFS to deal with in Winnipeg, Canada, so my equipment choices are very limited.Unless he can order specific items in for me.

Thanks Again For Your Time,
Have A Great Weekend

Patti