I've only been studying and keeping saltwater for about 5 months now so these questions may seem odd.
1) How can your water be "crystal clear" if you also have "reef snow" ? If you've got all the algae and critter in your water column then wouldn't it look just a little clouded? I would think a biodiverse tank SHOULD look a little couded...
2) I'm interested in starting some plankton cultures and am curious to have your opinions regarding refugiums. As I understand it the main point of the refugium is to help the plankton reproduce without predation. So if I culture and feed my own plankton it seems I really wouldn't have a reason to bother with the refugium. I do plan to add reverse lighting (on at night) and macroalgae to my sump, but don't see a need to mess with the hang on refugiums that trickle feed down into the tank. It seems that aquacultures would be much more useful. Am I off base here? Or is there a reason to do both?
3) I read an awesome book about a year ago discussing the Algae Turf Scrubbers (can't remember the name) and the point was raised that centrifulgal pumps may be killing many of the waterborne critters. Where can I find more info on alternative pumps? I believe there is a pump called a "bellow" pump? This sounds like a great alternative to my skimmer.
So much to learn. Thanks for the inspiring article.
Clint Fockler
Columbus, OH
1) How can your water be "crystal clear" if you also have "reef snow" ? If you've got all the algae and critter in your water column then wouldn't it look just a little clouded? I would think a biodiverse tank SHOULD look a little couded...
2) I'm interested in starting some plankton cultures and am curious to have your opinions regarding refugiums. As I understand it the main point of the refugium is to help the plankton reproduce without predation. So if I culture and feed my own plankton it seems I really wouldn't have a reason to bother with the refugium. I do plan to add reverse lighting (on at night) and macroalgae to my sump, but don't see a need to mess with the hang on refugiums that trickle feed down into the tank. It seems that aquacultures would be much more useful. Am I off base here? Or is there a reason to do both?
3) I read an awesome book about a year ago discussing the Algae Turf Scrubbers (can't remember the name) and the point was raised that centrifulgal pumps may be killing many of the waterborne critters. Where can I find more info on alternative pumps? I believe there is a pump called a "bellow" pump? This sounds like a great alternative to my skimmer.
So much to learn. Thanks for the inspiring article.
Clint Fockler
Columbus, OH