Feedback on my current method.

[Unarce]

I'm new to this Forum and would like to redirect my discussion from General Reefkeeping. Please check the overview of my system below and provide feedback:

40G built-in wet/dry
converted to algae turf (nutrient export by macroalgae and flame scallops in sump)
2x96 watt PC (12 hour photoperiod)
1x9 watt PC over sump (12 hour photoperiod opposite tank's)
40lbs of live rock (bare-bottom)
Various Acropora (table-top, staghorn, bushy)
1x5" Crocea
1x1.5" Maxima
1xRed Sea Purple Tang
15xsnails
30xhermits
1xcucumber
Rio Motion for wave action

I've evolved to this method about two years ago and have since had comparable growth to nature. 5% water change is done every 2 weeks. I supplement with Kent Tech CB and feed with Instant-Algae by Reed Mariculture Inc.

I'd like to know if there are any other Advanced Aquarists that might see a recipe for disaster in this method (like old tank syndrome). My goal was to create a natural reef crest environment, perfectly suited for what I'm keeping. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Anonymous]

Bump. Be sure to feed the flamers, they're notoriously poor performers in captivity and need to feed constantly. To that end, I'd recommend a refugium to culture lotsa pods and whatnot.

Bump.

 

[brandon4291]

it would be interesting to provide food for the scallop through an active refugium. Other advanced aquarists out there are rearing seahorses without direct feeding, by feeding the refugium (primarily its copepod life) so the animals can have a steady supply of live creatures to consume. If captive success with scallops and other strict filter-feeders is to be had, Id say its found along these lines somewhere too-->Ill second that motion SM.

As far as old tank syndrome, I was under the impression that risk is associated with the use of a deep sand bed (and having an imbalance in waste reduction vs. feeding/bioload). A system with an average bed that is serviced regularly, and has sufficient current, shouldn't accumulate waste materials and sneak up on you someday with unexpected chemical and physical fluxes.

I would like to see your system, its one that catches my eye because you rely on internal factors and light bioload to achieve nutrient control. Didnt you mention you use no skimmer? Would give anything to see logs of pH and nitrate trends for that system, Im intrigued by systems that have light fish bioload and no mechanical export.

Brandon M.

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I don't see any apparent concerns, except that the scallops may not live. Beyond that, it sounds fine to me.

FWIW, I'm not convinced that old tank syndrome is anything real.

 

[Unarce]

Thank you all for your replies. I expect the scallops to partially feed on dissolved organics, but they also have their share of microplankton. Instant-Algae I believe is a relatively new product which I feed every other day with 3 drops. I've had much better results compared to DT's. Here's the URL: http://www.instant-algae.com/aquarium/index.htm

Due to the opposite photoperiod of the algae turf, there's not much of a fluctuation in PH. Early morning, about five hours before the lights turn on, PH is at 8.0. Midday, after the lights have been on for several hours, I would record a PH of 8.3. Half of the algae is harvested every two weeks for nutrient export. Ammonia, Phosphate, and Nitrate are all at 0. Alk is High (Red Sea test kit), and Calcium is run between 500-600. The only difference at 600 is major growth in clam and snail shells.

Despite not having a sand-bed, I still see plenty of creepy crawlies. Thanks again for your help.

 

[randy holmes-farley]

You're welcome. Good luck!