rock arrangement

[linuxpng]

I have a couple questions. I have an established 55 gallon reef setup. I don't have a sump, but I have a HOT skimmer that uses a black box that sits in the tank. The problem I am faced with is that because of that overflow box, I'm afraid to put any corals underneath it (it's dark). Does anyone have suggestions on how to arrange rockwork to get corals on that side of the tank? Is it also safe to add more live rock on an established tank with fish already there? I've been unhappy with the appearance of my tank due to this obsticle and hope someone might be able to get some thoughts going.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a couple questions. I have an established 55 gallon reef setup. I don't have a sump, but I have a HOT skimmer that uses a black box that sits in the tank. The problem I am faced with is that because of that overflow box, I'm afraid to put any corals underneath it (it's dark). Does anyone have suggestions on how to arrange rockwork to get corals on that side of the tank?

You could either get some of the lower-light corals, such as nepthea, scleronepthea, or sun coral (depending on your degree of experience in reefkeeping) or simply bring the rock wall out so it rises in front of the overflow box. This will also improve flow behind the reef itself.

Is it also safe to add more live rock on an established tank with fish already there? I've been unhappy with the appearance of my tank due to this obsticle and hope someone might be able to get some thoughts going.

Very slowly it may be added. It really should be cured in it's own separate container (be it a garbage can, rubbermaid, or whatever), but it really depends on how much rock you have in there and how long it's been in the tank.

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

I agree that you should move the structure out away from the back glass a couple of inches; that way water can flow all the way arround the structure, rather than only accross the fromt of it...better for biofiltration and preventing dead spots.

I also agree with the notion of getting lower light corals for lower light areas. Mushrooms, sun polyps, and several other corals do very well partially shaded.

Last. I have had bad experience adding rock and corals to my tank and bringing in ich. The inpact on an established reef of bringing in new LR is minimal, as long as you add less than 10% of how much rock you have now at any one time. The problem is bringing in ich or something worse or something annoying, like aiptasia. The best thing you can do is get a small power head, a small heater, and a thermometer and keeping the new rock in a bucket at a good temp for a month...that way any diseases will die off, any pests will become evident, and the rock will additionally cure, impacting your system less and avoiding stress on your fish.

Good Luck