New tank setup

[Mark9]

So, I had to relocate due to my job.
Tore down the tank, sold all that I could.
Got it all set back up but have decided to do things a bit different this time.
Was previously setup as a full reef.
This time around, went minimalist, 2 rock islands, no sand.
Am going to focus on fish. Will have a few corals, but nothing like before.
Still cycling, no life in it yet.
Undecided about adding sand. I like the look, but maintenance is easier without.
Comments?

 

[joshky]

Personally I couldn't run a tank without sand, not just for aesthetics but the fact that it limits livestock choices as well (wrasses). It's entirely a personal preference and you will have scattered opinions, ultimately you need to decide which is right for you.

 

[BillNye]

+1 on sand. I think it looks much more natural. I don't see it being a huge maintenance issues with the way your setup is now.

If you do go that route, I found that adding sand through a 2" pvc pipe makes it easier to place and makes it much less cloudy.

Goodluck!

 

[gmpolan]

Looks more natural in my opinion but it really comes down to the overlook look of the tank you are trying to build. +1 for the wrasses and limited choices on the livestock. I think we all know it gets dirty and becomes a maintenance to the overall tank but honestly, i dont think i could build a set up without sand. Just my two cents.

 

[Mark9]

Thanks for the feedback.
I'm really on the fence about adding sand.
I like the look, but I'm looking for something easier this time around.

 

[Martini5788]

You don't have to have a dsb. If you like the look of bb then stick with it, you can always add sand later

 

[Mark9]

So, I put in sand.
Have to agree, looks better. May put some more rock in too.
Didn't even get that cloudy, I was semi careful.
Obligatory crappy cell phone picture.

 

[Mark9]

A better picture.

 

[Martini5788]

Yeah looks better

 

[Mark9]

Added a bit more sand and more rock.
A few corals didn't sell when I broke the tank down, a friend was holding them for me, got them back.

 

[Cosmojo]

Decide what kind of fish you wanna throw in there yet?

 

[Mark9]

Decide what kind of fish you wanna throw in there yet?

Got 1, a flame hawk.
Not sure what else to get, thinking of maybe a red fish, blue, green and a yellow.

 

[Mark9]

Tank is coming along.
Had a real bad algae bloom, but UV cleared it up in a day.
Got a conch and some more corals.

 

[joshky]

Looking good, love the flame hawk.

 

[Mark9]

Looking good, love the flame hawk.

Thanks, he is quite the character.
Sitting on one of my smallest frags.

 

[Mark9]

Last picture before I change some of the lights.
Just too white.
My new bulbs should come tomorrow.
Taking out the aquablue special and 1 blue+, putting in a coral+ and an actinic.
And I had to fire up the dosers, something in there is eating up the kh.
6 weeks in.

 

[Mark9]

New bulbs are in, running 3 blue+, i coral+, 1 actinic and an aquablue special.
May move them around.
Picked up a sailfin tang.
Put the last of the rock in and moved some corals.

 

[Mark9]

Previous picture was way too dark

 

[Mark9]

Posting my corals, then I can check for growth or death .

 

[Mark9]