New Tank Set Up Questions

[thegrun]

As to your original question I use egg crate (light diffuser) inside the tank for all my tanks with sand. Its primary purpose contrary to popular myth is to help keep your rocks from sliding around which potentially could cause a rock slide. Over time the pressure of rocks stacked on top of each other and shifting sand has a tendency to move unsecured rocks around. The egg crate prevents that from happening ad the protrusions sticking out from the rock lock into the grid of the egg crate. The egg crate also offers some protection against falling rocks during aquascaping, but that is not its primary purpose. There are rumors that egg crate traps detritus, also not true provided you have some type of clean up crew that burrows into the sand like Nasarius Snails. I've taken down a few of my tanks that have been set up for over 5 years and I can assure you the sand in and around the egg crate was just as clean as the sand out away from the egg crate. IMHO its cheap insurance against rock slides.

 

[cincyjim]

The more I think about it the more I believe I'm going to use it. I will have a deep sand bed so I shouldn't have any exposed egg crate areas. Thanks for the info!!!

 

[crazycolt42]

As to your original question I use egg crate (light diffuser) inside the tank for all my tanks with sand. Its primary purpose contrary to popular myth is to help keep your rocks from sliding around which potentially could cause a rock slide. Over time the pressure of rocks stacked on top of each other and shifting sand has a tendency to move unsecured rocks around. The egg crate prevents that from happening ad the protrusions sticking out from the rock lock into the grid of the egg crate. The egg crate also offers some protection against falling rocks during aquascaping, but that is not its primary purpose. There are rumors that egg crate traps detritus, also not true provided you have some type of clean up crew that burrows into the sand like Nasarius Snails. I've taken down a few of my tanks that have been set up for over 5 years and I can assure you the sand in and around the egg crate was just as clean as the sand out away from the egg crate. IMHO its cheap insurance against rock slides.

This is good to know. I was leaning towards not using it out of paranoia I am developing over detritus build-up. Have you been able to keep it covered in your tanks for the most part? I worry about seeing it uncovered all through the tank. Another thing I thought about though is that it might even help keep the sand in place better with all the flow that can push sand around?

 

[crazycolt42]

I love the 6095s. They run on the Tunze 7095 controller not my Apex. Maybe one day I'll integrate them with the Apex but no plans to do so soon. I have one on each side of the tank. The left side of my current tank is where my return line is so I can only run the left 6095 at about 40-45% and the right 6095 runs about 60-65%. The are very powerful and should do the job in the 150g tank. I'll just up the percentage on them. I do foresee that I may need to get a couple 6055s to run from the back of the tank about middle ways down to move that area and I'll hook those into the 7095 to have true alternating current.

I will use my current T5 lights but I did get 2 Reef Brite XHO strips (all blue) to provide additional coverage. I've never used LEDs before so this will be trial and error for me. My T5s sit about 4" above the water line on my current tank but with the 150g canopy they'll be about 9" above the water line which is why I bought the XHO strips. Might be an overkill so we'll see. I hated to spend that much money on XHOs though. I probably should have waited to see how things looked and then bought them if I needed them. The 150 is 3" taller and 6" deeper and 1' longer so I thought I would need to boost the T5s.

Thanks for letting me know. I really think they are going to be a good start at least. Could always add flow later like you mentioned. I have checked out the reef brites as possible supplement as well, but you are right the XHO's are pricey! That's part of why I have kept away from ecotech, kessils, etc. Just too much $$. I think you will probably be happy with the pop they give though to your corals that the T'5's just can't give from what I have read. I'll be curious to see what you think of it. Everyone I have asked on here about 54w T5's for a 5ft tank has been all thumbs up! Good luck Cincyjim!!

 

[cincyjim]

Crazycolt42 I picked up some plumbing supplies and some miscellaneous stuff today but I haven't had a chance to do anything with the tank today. I did pick up the egg crate today. It just makes sense to have it in the tank. The canopy is new to me as far as a set up goes. I have to drill three 4" inch holes for two fans and an exhaust port on the other side of the canopy. I also have to drill a couple of 2" holes in the back of it to run the cords for the power heads and lights. I did manage to get the yoga mat under the tank Friday evening with the help of a couple of other guys. That was not easy in the least bit. As you can imagine the tank does not slide on top of the mat at all. So it was pick up the tank little by little and re-centering the mat at the same time. I will say though having the mat under tank is relieving as it really squishes down evenly all around the bottom. I'll keep you posted as I move along and I hope you can keep me updated with your build as well.