advancements in the past 2 years?

[originalreefdood]

I've been out the game for about 2 years. I had a hardcore 90gal SPS tank B4 and a 30gal softie tank.

What advancements/ changes have been made recently that I should read up on?

i.e. when I had my 90 gal., "the plenum" sandbed was all the rage.

And new products?

I'm mainly starting to research setting up my 30 gal with an anemone and a pair of clowns. I already have the MH, VHO, tank and stand, sump, skimmer, wavemaster pro, light timers, and overflow. I need Everything else.

pump for backpack (in sump)

return pump (through chiller and up 4 feet)

etc.

 

[fishfanatic2]

Now the Deep Sand Bed (DSB) is all the rage and under layers of controversy. Some claim it has powered their tanks to greatness, othershave blamed it for its failure.

I don't have one, so I can't say anything.

Many people agree that a sump and refugium are a good way to go. Also, a good skimmer also seems to be more important than good mechanical filtration, especially for reefs. What kind of skimmer did yu get?

 

[originalreefdood]

I have an oldschool CPR backpack filter that I place IN the sump. I had the 30 gal rockin before, but I'm curious as to what advancements have been made for better health and to make my life easier.

I HAD a 6 foot tall DIY downdraft that kicked ass on my 90. I think I'd build one again. Maybe have 3" of 100% livesand on the bottom of the 90 and 2" on the 30. MH and halides on both. I see there's new bulbs out too.?

 

[Anonymous]

Fads go in and out of style. There are many techniques that can work - heck I had luck 18 years ago with an undergravel filter, crushed coral and 2 magnum canister filters as a kid and kept the same fish for years. Not to say every system is appropriate for each setup but a good mixture of nutrient export methodologies (DSB/SKimmer/Refugium etc) is best IMO.

Look at what you ultimately want to acheive and what organisms you want to keep and plan accordingly. In retrospect I'd say barebottom is ideal for a SPS tank.