I have allotted space and funds to build a zoa/paly system.
I currently am running a 250 gallon system managed for SPS that is doing very well but my zoas and palys are just surviving. I like the idea of dedicating a system to them to provide for high nutrient input and removal.
My idea / design:
40 breeder with bare bottom and scattered rocks drilled with holes to allow for frag plug placement. No sand to allow for heavy flow without the worries of blowing sand. All new zoas and palys added will be glued to large frag plugs to allow for growth without competition and plugs can be moved to allow for ideal placement.
40 breeder sump dedicated as a refugium with deep sand bed. The pump will be placed in one end in a dedicated area and protected from macroalgae. No skimmer. I am hoping that nutrient export can be maintained with macro algae and water changes. (not exactly sure if this is a wise or viable solution but I like the idea of maintaining flaura and fauna in the water column at all times)
Lighting:
I have a 4 bulb Tec T5 that fits perfectly over the 40 breeder. Will this be enough light? I am thinking 2 blue plus, one coral plus and one aquablue special. It will be a bit yellow/white but I want to cover the be sure and cover the entire spectrum. I will add a few RB LED as a DIY to allow for viewing and to help with pop ( I plan on no lenses )
Flow:
I want to use a single sea swirl on the display coming from my return pump. This should provide great random flow to all areas of the tank. I haven't specked a pump yet but im thinking in the neighborhood of 10X - 15x tank volume should get the job done.
A Small Jaebo pump will also be used to provide flow when return is turned off.
Feeding:
My feeding idea is that once or twice a week I will hit the tank with a slury of DIY fish food. A bit of everything blended into a mush, mixed with tank water and added to the tank with the return pump off. I believe that a lack of food is the primary reason my zoas are not doing well now. In a controlled system I hope to be able to provide massive nutrient inport and massive nutrient export.
Fish / Stock:
I plan to add a 6-line wrasse to the display tank. I think that's it! Keep it simple and just have a fish with a job to do. I Intend to dip aggressively and QT any new zoas or palys added to the system to keep it pest free.
Weekly 10-15 gallon water changes with water from my sps system for nutrient control.
OK zoa experts ... what do ya think? Thank you in advance for any and all advice and insight!!
I currently am running a 250 gallon system managed for SPS that is doing very well but my zoas and palys are just surviving. I like the idea of dedicating a system to them to provide for high nutrient input and removal.
My idea / design:
40 breeder with bare bottom and scattered rocks drilled with holes to allow for frag plug placement. No sand to allow for heavy flow without the worries of blowing sand. All new zoas and palys added will be glued to large frag plugs to allow for growth without competition and plugs can be moved to allow for ideal placement.
40 breeder sump dedicated as a refugium with deep sand bed. The pump will be placed in one end in a dedicated area and protected from macroalgae. No skimmer. I am hoping that nutrient export can be maintained with macro algae and water changes. (not exactly sure if this is a wise or viable solution but I like the idea of maintaining flaura and fauna in the water column at all times)
Lighting:
I have a 4 bulb Tec T5 that fits perfectly over the 40 breeder. Will this be enough light? I am thinking 2 blue plus, one coral plus and one aquablue special. It will be a bit yellow/white but I want to cover the be sure and cover the entire spectrum. I will add a few RB LED as a DIY to allow for viewing and to help with pop ( I plan on no lenses )
Flow:
I want to use a single sea swirl on the display coming from my return pump. This should provide great random flow to all areas of the tank. I haven't specked a pump yet but im thinking in the neighborhood of 10X - 15x tank volume should get the job done.
A Small Jaebo pump will also be used to provide flow when return is turned off.
Feeding:
My feeding idea is that once or twice a week I will hit the tank with a slury of DIY fish food. A bit of everything blended into a mush, mixed with tank water and added to the tank with the return pump off. I believe that a lack of food is the primary reason my zoas are not doing well now. In a controlled system I hope to be able to provide massive nutrient inport and massive nutrient export.
Fish / Stock:
I plan to add a 6-line wrasse to the display tank. I think that's it! Keep it simple and just have a fish with a job to do. I Intend to dip aggressively and QT any new zoas or palys added to the system to keep it pest free.
Weekly 10-15 gallon water changes with water from my sps system for nutrient control.
OK zoa experts ... what do ya think? Thank you in advance for any and all advice and insight!!
