Looking for advice

[MarineFlake]

I want to combine some of the coral and rock in my 75g with my 29g. Basically combine the items I want to keep from both tanks and sell the rest. I am thinking I will change a couple things in the process though and as a result I was hoping some folks with experience in these areas could chime in.
First, I would like to ditch substrate all together. I have sand in both tanks and it seems to be more of a chore than its worth to keep it turned over and clean. Not fact, just my opinion. Anyway I was looking to hear from folks that have experience with bare bottom tanks. I actually like the cleaner look and I believe will appreciate the ez of clean up. I also think it means giving up my goby, though I never see it since it stays buried all the time...Second I am thinking about switching from MH/PC/VHO's to T5. I have seen enough examples of wonderful tanks with T5 lighting to convince me that great things can happen with VHO/T5 including clams, SPS, etc. I'd really like to hear from someone on this one, especially someone thats growing SPS and/or clams under non MH lights.

Lastly the setup I am considering...

About a 40G cube, drilled plumbed with a ?? sump/fuge. I think I will just buy all new skimmer for it though I do like the 2 I have. I currently use no filtration other than the lr in both tanks (Unless you consider skimming filtration..) and I believe I will do the same in the new setup. I am also considering purchasing a ca reactor and controller to automate reactor and temp. A chiller is possible too though I am hoping T5 will prove less a burden than traditional MH.

Its just a vision right now but you have to start somewhere and I figure theres enough experience among the members to make some good suggestions and offer some of what *not* to do.

Lastly if you come across any of this equipment please PM me so I can check into it. I will start pouring over the dry goods forums later this month.

Thanks
-PC

 

[teena]

pm sent

 

[neuroslicer]

"seems to be more of a chore than its worth to keep it turned over and clean"

What are you doing with your sediment... turning it over??? Wha?

I've had the same sediment for over 5 years... I don't do anything to it and it looks great! It's a perfect nitrate sink, as you can tell by the nitrogen bubbles visible along the glass. You don't "turn it over" or stir it up... that would introduce oxygen down to the deeper layer where anerobic bacteria convert nitrates to nitrogen gas. It is also home to thousands of benthic infauna that increase the diversity of the tank... If you've got problems with things growing on the substrate surface, like macroalgae, it's not a problem with your substrate but it could be due to poor circulation, high nitrates and/or phosphates, insufficient clean up crew, etc.

Concerning lighting and SPS, my main tank is primarily SPS, with very good growth rates. I have it illuminated with 4 110 watt VHOs only. I like the look of the lighting too, even better than I do the metal halide in my frag tank.