Intelligent Design / Natural Filtration
- Thread starter Subsea
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Don't Eat the Pod Brothers
Don't Eat the Pod Brothers
Being a Cajun, we have a reputation for eating everthing. I put my limit of what I eat at "as long as it is not moving". Some years back on a hobbiest forum while talking about eating Red Ogo from my refugium, a Cheaf asked me how I removed the pods. I told him sushi, that I did not remove them. I could hear his laughter from Kansas City.
Don't Eat the Pod Brothers
Being a Cajun, we have a reputation for eating everthing. I put my limit of what I eat at "as long as it is not moving". Some years back on a hobbiest forum while talking about eating Red Ogo from my refugium, a Cheaf asked me how I removed the pods. I told him sushi, that I did not remove them. I could hear his laughter from Kansas City.
Pivitol Species
Pivitol Species
When John Tullock wrote his book "The Natural Reef Aquirium", he emphasised biotheme. One biotheme was "pivitol species", that must have fish or coral. Whatever it is, everything else that goes into that tank should be lower on the food chain.
This morning, as I woke up to my first cup of coffee, I watched my 10G pod/ snail/ bristle worm tank come to life as I added some flake food. It was my intention to use the chaeto in this tank to seed other systems. In the meantime, I wake up to the little people "doing their thing".
Pivitol Species
When John Tullock wrote his book "The Natural Reef Aquirium", he emphasised biotheme. One biotheme was "pivitol species", that must have fish or coral. Whatever it is, everything else that goes into that tank should be lower on the food chain.
This morning, as I woke up to my first cup of coffee, I watched my 10G pod/ snail/ bristle worm tank come to life as I added some flake food. It was my intention to use the chaeto in this tank to seed other systems. In the meantime, I wake up to the little people "doing their thing".
Uncured diver collected live rock for diversity.
Uncured diver collected live rock for diversity.
I removed all macro from Leng Sy ecosystem 30G refugium, laid down egg crate on top of mud and added dry rock. My friend Timfish brought me some different sponges. Also, to add biodiversity, I will add pieces of uncured live rock to this system, top and bottom.
Uncured diver collected live rock for diversity.
I removed all macro from Leng Sy ecosystem 30G refugium, laid down egg crate on top of mud and added dry rock. My friend Timfish brought me some different sponges. Also, to add biodiversity, I will add pieces of uncured live rock to this system, top and bottom.
Attachments
This is Gulf live rock that is five years in tank. There is still one hard coral on this rock. It also has some aptasia in rock crevices which are difficult to treat with hydrogen peroxide injection.
Later today, I am getting 15 lbs of uncured live rock and 50 peppermint shrimp to add to this tank.
I was not able to upload picture. Have I used up my alotted data? Do I need a different membership?
Later today, I am getting 15 lbs of uncured live rock and 50 peppermint shrimp to add to this tank.
I was not able to upload picture. Have I used up my alotted data? Do I need a different membership?
@ Provost Reefers,
Like Subsea said yiou can get some from Tyree's website. If you haven't added any fresh transhipped wild (not boat rock) or maricultured liverock those are both excellent sources also but QT for 30 days it just like corals and fish. You should also look under coral colonies as they may already have some attached. Like a lot of stuff they will grow to the available food so even if you already have some it may take a while to see them growing.
Like Subsea said yiou can get some from Tyree's website. If you haven't added any fresh transhipped wild (not boat rock) or maricultured liverock those are both excellent sources also but QT for 30 days it just like corals and fish. You should also look under coral colonies as they may already have some attached. Like a lot of stuff they will grow to the available food so even if you already have some it may take a while to see them growing.
Carbon Dosing and Carbon Fixation
Carbon Dosing and Carbon Fixation
I like natures way, better. Nutrient export is not my game. I am all about nutrient recycling.
Carbon dosing is reef aquarium technology that uses foam fractionators to remove organic nutrients like free swimming bacteria. When I look into my tank at night I see many photosynthetic corals with feeding feathers out. What are they feeding on? I say bacteria are a large percentage of what filter feeding inverts consume. Considering that the raw water for our protein skimmers will be rich in free swimming bacteria that are removed by adhesion due to surface tension of air bubbles; I say protein skimmers remove food for corals in my tank.
Nature takes inorganic carbon dioxide, users photosynthesis to make organic nutrients for the rest of the food chain.
http://www.fondriest.com/environmen...lity/algae-phytoplankton-chlorophyll/#algae13
Carbon Fixation and the Climate
In addition to providing food and oxygen for nearly all life on Earth, phytoplankton help to regulate inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere 17. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water molecules are used to make sugar for energy. The process of incorporating inorganic carbon into organic carbon (glucose and other biologically useful compounds) is called carbon fixation, and is part of the biological carbon pump 11.
As carbon fixation and oxygen production are part of the same process, the extent of phytoplankton's participation is on the same scale. Phytoplankton consume a similar amount of carbon dioxide as all land plants combined 11. While phytoplankton can pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or the ocean, it will have a similar effect. CO2 that is taken from the water is replaced by CO2 from the atmosphere, thanks to Henry's law (the dissolved gas content of water is proportional to the percentage of gas in the air above it 32. This consumption helps keep carbon dioxide levels in check, reducing its presence as a greenhouse gas 28.
Algae and cyanobacteria help to regulate the climate by fixing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This carbon is then consumed or decomposed by other organisms.
Algae and cyanobacteria help to regulate the climate by fixing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This carbon is then consumed or decomposed by other organisms, making its way through the cycle until it is released as dissolved carbon dioxide in water or deposited in sediment.
When carbon dioxide is consumed, the carbon molecules become incorporated into the phytoplankton's structure, allowing the organism to function and grow 11. If the phytoplankton is not eaten by another organism (passing on the carbon up the food chain), then it will sink into the ocean when it dies. As with other detritus (non-living organic material), the phytoplankton will be decomposed by bacteria, and the carbon is either released back into the ocean as dissolved carbon dioxide or eventually deposited into the seafloor sediment 33. Thanks to phytoplankton, this biological carbon pump removes approximately 10 trillion kilograms (10 gigatonnes) of carbon from the atmosphere every year, transferring it to the ocean depths 11.
In climate terms, this process helps to maintain global surface temperatures 11. Without this cycle, atmospheric CO2 would rise approximately 200 ppm (current levels are around 400 ppm) 33,34. Even small changes in phytoplankton populations could have an effect on the atmosphere and world climate 11.
Carbon Dosing and Carbon Fixation
I like natures way, better. Nutrient export is not my game. I am all about nutrient recycling.
Carbon dosing is reef aquarium technology that uses foam fractionators to remove organic nutrients like free swimming bacteria. When I look into my tank at night I see many photosynthetic corals with feeding feathers out. What are they feeding on? I say bacteria are a large percentage of what filter feeding inverts consume. Considering that the raw water for our protein skimmers will be rich in free swimming bacteria that are removed by adhesion due to surface tension of air bubbles; I say protein skimmers remove food for corals in my tank.
Nature takes inorganic carbon dioxide, users photosynthesis to make organic nutrients for the rest of the food chain.
http://www.fondriest.com/environmen...lity/algae-phytoplankton-chlorophyll/#algae13
Carbon Fixation and the Climate
In addition to providing food and oxygen for nearly all life on Earth, phytoplankton help to regulate inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere 17. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water molecules are used to make sugar for energy. The process of incorporating inorganic carbon into organic carbon (glucose and other biologically useful compounds) is called carbon fixation, and is part of the biological carbon pump 11.
As carbon fixation and oxygen production are part of the same process, the extent of phytoplankton's participation is on the same scale. Phytoplankton consume a similar amount of carbon dioxide as all land plants combined 11. While phytoplankton can pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or the ocean, it will have a similar effect. CO2 that is taken from the water is replaced by CO2 from the atmosphere, thanks to Henry's law (the dissolved gas content of water is proportional to the percentage of gas in the air above it 32. This consumption helps keep carbon dioxide levels in check, reducing its presence as a greenhouse gas 28.
Algae and cyanobacteria help to regulate the climate by fixing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This carbon is then consumed or decomposed by other organisms.
Algae and cyanobacteria help to regulate the climate by fixing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This carbon is then consumed or decomposed by other organisms, making its way through the cycle until it is released as dissolved carbon dioxide in water or deposited in sediment.
When carbon dioxide is consumed, the carbon molecules become incorporated into the phytoplankton's structure, allowing the organism to function and grow 11. If the phytoplankton is not eaten by another organism (passing on the carbon up the food chain), then it will sink into the ocean when it dies. As with other detritus (non-living organic material), the phytoplankton will be decomposed by bacteria, and the carbon is either released back into the ocean as dissolved carbon dioxide or eventually deposited into the seafloor sediment 33. Thanks to phytoplankton, this biological carbon pump removes approximately 10 trillion kilograms (10 gigatonnes) of carbon from the atmosphere every year, transferring it to the ocean depths 11.
In climate terms, this process helps to maintain global surface temperatures 11. Without this cycle, atmospheric CO2 would rise approximately 200 ppm (current levels are around 400 ppm) 33,34. Even small changes in phytoplankton populations could have an effect on the atmosphere and world climate 11.
Jessie,
As a Cajun, I used to have only one eating rule, if it moves, I don’t eat it.
I can’t testify to that anymore. On Thanksgiving, I eat Grape Caulerpa salad that had pods on it.
Jaubert Plenum & De-Nitrification
Jaubert Plenum & De-Nitrification
Jaubert Plenum was designed to remove nitrate by increasing volume of "œreducing oxygen conditions" to facilitate environment for de-nitrifying bacteria.
I say, "œWhy remove nitrate?" Everything that grows on earth needs it.
Redfield Ratio of 106:16:1 says nitrate is important. So I manage it. When algae grows, I am the Master Gardner. I get janitors for sand bed maintenance that reproduce to food supply and feed tank live food with their larvae.
Jaubert Plenum & De-Nitrification
Jaubert Plenum was designed to remove nitrate by increasing volume of "œreducing oxygen conditions" to facilitate environment for de-nitrifying bacteria.
I say, "œWhy remove nitrate?" Everything that grows on earth needs it.
Redfield Ratio of 106:16:1 says nitrate is important. So I manage it. When algae grows, I am the Master Gardner. I get janitors for sand bed maintenance that reproduce to food supply and feed tank live food with their larvae.
redlobstor
New member
I love the title of this thread intelligent design. As a Believer myself, I believe that a creator has designed all that is in this world and as such we should strive to mimic the processes that he has put in place.
Oftentimes there's more than one way to achieve the desired result but all too often we think that the way we are doing it is the only way and that is just not the case. I prefer only to use technology for stuff like Auto top off, timers, water movement, and when it comes to tank husbandry I prefer to go all natural. I usually only get involved when it comes to water changes, water testing, and dosing. I must admit I don't do any of those things very often.
I have a 75 gallon mixed Reef with a powder blue tang and a lightning clownfish that I feed occasionally. The majority of food they get is live food from the tank and they are fat and healthy. I have yet to put any seaweed in for the tang and I have had it for about a year. None of the fish have ever had a disease and I don't quarantine and I attribute this to the ecosystem I've created.
Subsea I agree why remove something from the tank when there's a critter that will remove it for you.
By the way great thread!
Jason
Oftentimes there's more than one way to achieve the desired result but all too often we think that the way we are doing it is the only way and that is just not the case. I prefer only to use technology for stuff like Auto top off, timers, water movement, and when it comes to tank husbandry I prefer to go all natural. I usually only get involved when it comes to water changes, water testing, and dosing. I must admit I don't do any of those things very often.
I have a 75 gallon mixed Reef with a powder blue tang and a lightning clownfish that I feed occasionally. The majority of food they get is live food from the tank and they are fat and healthy. I have yet to put any seaweed in for the tang and I have had it for about a year. None of the fish have ever had a disease and I don't quarantine and I attribute this to the ecosystem I've created.
Subsea I agree why remove something from the tank when there's a critter that will remove it for you.
By the way great thread!
Jason
IMO, after maintaining a 6” deep Jaubert Plenum For 25 years, I can say without a doubt, I would not do it again. Coarse substrate of Jaubert Plenum favors bacteria to export nitrogen. DSB as proposed by Ron Schmick used micro fauna & fana to recycle nutrients and feed tank.
I lean toward complex food webs in sandbed, but see no need for 6”. I will mimic what PaulB did for 44 years with his tank and plumb a reverse flow undergravel filter with 3” of CaribSea “Special Reef Grade” aroggonite.
redlobstor
New member
NS Mike D
New member
I am leaning towards this but on a nano scale. I've been following the threads and posts by you, PaulB (who lives a corals' throw from me) Kareem, Steve Tyree and TimFish. I find a multi-zone system very interesting.
I am over ambitious attempting to keep a mixed coral nano (29 gal) with a mandarin, so it's been interesting keeping everyone happy.
I am adding a 10 gallon sump under the tank seeking a no light semi-cryptic zone in the fuge section to compliment the CPR HOB 5 gallon sump on the back which is packed with cheato and pods with a bit of sand and rubble.
I hope to remove the skimmer as I am pulling very little skimmate as it stands now. Could be all the feather duster worms and aptasia I can't reach are beating the skimmer to the job.
MIKE,
I have enjoyed your contributions on those other threads. For certain, the more biodiversity the better. Bacteria and food webs have "œDynamic Equilibrium" and population densities correct for food supply changes. Self correcting biological control for free.
Natural systems are stable. They stand the test of time and they are easy to maintain. The reason that many do not have success with natural systems is because of impatience or toooooo much bioload. Why put so many fish in a tank so that if one piece of equipment fails, the tank crashes. Many people set themselves up for defeat by being short sided on their tank husbandry.
With respect to the things that compete with skimmer for nutrients, you can include coral.
PS. The
NS Mike D
New member
redlobstor
New member
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4333771/
This a interesting paper in part about a relationship between bacteria and the macro algae Ulva.
Jason
Sent from my P00I using Tapatalk
This a interesting paper in part about a relationship between bacteria and the macro algae Ulva.
Jason
Sent from my P00I using Tapatalk
Yes, some macro ingest bacteria.
http://open.uct.ac.za/handle/11427/6175
I like this article that shows a co-culture of abalone and Ulva.
http://open.uct.ac.za/handle/11427/6175
I like this article that shows a co-culture of abalone and Ulva.
