Summer Long Reef Experiment

[va_blue_stang]

Here is an experiment that my wife and i are very excited to get under way. We built a new deck and thought what a great place to put up a 10g experimental tank to try and grow some different coral in natural sunlight.
Our goal is to have it cycled and and ready for frags by mid-may. We are going to record the growth rate and effect of natural sun and moon light on the coral we choose to try in it.
I have put 10lbs of live rock and a small powerhead in so far and using a small hob filter on he side of the tank. We are located in SWVA so I also included a small heater till the night time air warms up.
We will update often wih picture updates, so everyone please feel free to follow along. We appreciate any comments, questions, or suggestions that anyone has.

 

[MrMarth]

What are you going to do about rainfall?

 

[disciple]

I think your going to end up with 10 gallons of algae. I think that the intensity of the sunlight is different here than it is on the equator where most reefs are located.

But... this is a hobby and you guys are having fun with it. Curious to see how it turns out.

If the light intensity is not enough you could always mount a solar tube over top of the tank

 

[MrLeemr]

The only way i could see this being a very good experiment is if that tank was plumbed into your main system to add more volume and stability and also to keep it cool cause i believe that things going to boil in the summer.

 

[mike_cmu04]

Ya definently have a plan for keeping it cool. I can see the water temp during a hot summer day easily topping 120+ degrees

 

[va_blue_stang]

unfortunately it's already over two of the damn neighborhood kids came over and busted the tank while we were out. all the equipment i was using is burnt to a crispy toast. i hate when people will not teach their children to respect other people's ****.

 

[avaneaton2000]

you need a cover for rain fall and some crazy cooling. Also you will most likely need to shade the tank if you want to grow anything in it you will be getting way too much light.

 

[avaneaton2000]

Sounds like you need to talk to their parents. It's ok, maybe some of their balls, bikes, toys will go missing.

 

[coralnut99]

Sounds like you need to talk to their parents. It's ok, maybe some of their balls, bikes, toys will go missing.

+1 An eye for an eye, a bike for a tank.

 

[coralnut99]

PS What the heck were they doing on your deck? That's trespassing.

 

[Darkstar22]

The tank would have gotten way to hot anyway. Think of how hot a kiddy pool gets in the summer! ...and thats way more water.

 

[jimroth]

I tried growing mushrooms (toughest thing I could find) in a tub one summer on the deck, it only lasted a week or so, hard to control that outdoor environment in NJ, even in Summer!

 

[photokid]

look in the aqua culture forms that might help with planning.