Redoing my tank...

[insanefishguy]

Ok, so I finally got my hands on a 55 and I am now in the planning stages of redoing my tank. It is a small upgrade from a 40 long to the 55 but the biggest thing is that I am going to get the 55 drilled. I have been contemplating a few things that I would like to bounce off you guys for some feedback and advice.

The first thing is substrate. I started the tank with crushed coral and that needs to go. What are your thoughts between barebottom vs. sand. If I go bare, whats the best place to get that starboard from? Thats kinda what Im leaning towards.

The other thing I wanted to do was do a small closed loop and have the output of the loop go through a spraybar along the bottom back of the tank to keep the detritus from collecting behind the rocks. I wanted to split the input between two bulkheads so that there was not too much flow at one to suck my critters against the strainer. Does anyone know how safe it is to drill 5 holes in the back of a 55 though. I worry that will take away from the integrety of the glass and it may break from the water pressure.

Any and all input is welcome since I am in the planning stages. Thanks much, Joe

 

[chinaman4u]

If you go sand I could spare you a bag of south down to make a shallow sand bed. I'm in state college too

 

[insanefishguy]

I appreciate the offre. I will let you know what I decide on. I must say that I am surprise at the lack of advice on this one...

 

[rigleautomotive]

sps tanks do better bare bottom imo,mixed coral tanks with softies and non photosynthetic animals do well with sand .your choise of animals would be the deciding factor as i see it.i think the tank would be safe as long as the holes were positioned far enough from each other and all edges.the spray bar idea i never liked.they get encrusted over time making a restricted flow.

 

[insanefishguy]

Thanks Dan. I think its Dan... Anyway, I have had a spray bar for over two years now and the holes do not really seem to be encrusted over. I was kinda of expecting some kind of algae to grow and hinder the flow, but nothing that I see has done so. The bar is encrusted very well with coraline but it doesnt seem to be closing any of the holes that I see. Im sure over a longer period of time it is possible. I just want to keep the crap form accumulating in the back where I cant get it out.

 

[rigleautomotive]

yes its Dan. no problem glad to help.