Thanks Kenny! Cool little AV...
"Hooter's Cook" :smokin:
a hydrometer is fine as long as you calibrate it every so often
adam, first thing I did..
Cool info on the Dr. Foster refracto...was wondering about those! I might purchase the one from premium aquatics...their in house "blue" model when the time comes...$44.95 I think....pretty nice lookin. I'll definately take a better look at the Dr. Foster one..
adam, no fights here! I value the input...:rollface: I just bought a townhouse condo back in July. I've had dreams of setting up a FOWLR, or even a reef, for over a year. In that time I've been doing alot of research(I wasn't going to set up anything until I OWNED property).
After doing alot of work in my condo, I decided now is the right time for the tank. When the reality of funding this project hit, I started to change my dreams of a 100+ gallon system....it's probably the best choice I could have made, because the truth is I haven't set up a salt water tank since I was a teenager...back in the day of the undergravel! :eek2: Logic really started to dictate that I should start out with a much smaller tank. If I could care for those animals properly, then maybe in a few years I could tackle a larger system. So for now, my dreams of having a larger tank, custom built, have been put on hold. I had initially wanted a very shallow, yet deep(width) tank. So I just took this concept to a smaller scale.
I began a new line of thought, and I started down a new path of research. The more I looked into smaller setups, the more I admired these systems. Size truly does not matter....
In fact, some of the smaller reefs are the most beautiful I have seen. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing as awe inspiring as a huge tank, but I really took into consideration what was right for me and my 'space.' There are a couple of AGA 40 Breeder's that have been tank of the month, and I believe both are sumpless.
Initially, I was going to have James at Envision Acrylics build my tank. James is a class act. He took his time to talk with me about what my needs were, and even when we both agreed it wasn't the time for a larger tank, he still gave me invaluable advice. We chatted about some of his setups, and we were both of like mind...a reef should have four main elements:
1. Heat
2. Lots of Flow
3. DSB
4. Lots of Live Rock
I'm definately erring on the side of KISS...keep it simple stupid...
adam, I started looking into skimmerless systems. I found ones that would make your jaw drop(sumpless, skimmerless, and reactorless). I read as much of Dr. Ron's research about the value...or possible lack there of .....regarding skimmers. Alot of the no sump/no skimmer precept relies on the idea that both these actions may strip the water of valueable nutrients.
There are also alot of European systems developing this way, and the concept intrigues me.
Now without getting into the right, or wrong, of my setup...
I will say, for better, or worse, this is the path I have chosen. However, I did not choose this path lightly. Just as the tank better fits my "space," so too does my sumpless/skimmerless tank fit my goals.
In my mind there is no right or wrong way to set up a tank. Oftentimes people on RC will 'preach' a method. If there is one thing that I've learned...there is no "right" way. The "WAY" should fit your expectation, goals, and life style.
In many ways I'm happy I am doing a smaller setup...moving away from the idea of having a FOWLR, with some softies, towards a truly mixed reef.
I'm interested in creating a miniature piece of the ocean....my own little biotype, and I am convinced that the most poweful filtration and stabilization for a smaller reef tank is bacteria and infauna. To me, biology, not technology, is the key.
I must also say that this type of setup demands some rules...a great deal of care....and a bit more maintanance. These are all things I am prepared for.
1. The bioload must be low...4 small fish for me...
2. There must be an abundance of live rock to work in conjunction with the dsb
3. The system should be on the small side...probably not over 40 or 50 gallons(that way maintanace is heeded)
4. The dsb needs to be restocked accordingly(no sand sifters)
5. Water changes must be done at the rate of 25% every 2 weeks
6. Flow must be strong
7. Aeration and dissolved oxygen levels must be more closely monitored.
I've definately become a fan of keeping a self contained system.."inside the box."
adam, tag along for the ride...we'll both see how it goes...for me it's a constant learning experience
Goodnight for now...I must get home and play with my tank...:rollface:
I'll be alright. Also, if anyone from the CARS forum is curious as to why I decided not to put the tank on my kitchen counter it's because even though the counter accepted the weight, 510+ lb. test, and it seemed to level out, I noticed that the tank itself would only sit on the corners...so I did a little rearranging of my dining room..
