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View Full Version : Aquascaping, flow and sand depth change!


mattcafc
25-07-06, 14:41
Hello,

I've been running a custom 3.5' x 2' x 2.5' for about 2 months following the cycling period (I allowed 12 weeks) and now feel like I didn't put enough thought into the aquascaping, flow and depth of sand bed.

I've only got 6 x green chromis, 1 black/white clown and a boxing shrimp plus a fair size clean up crew.

The tank is drilled and there is I run a 3' sump underneath. The sand bed is around 2" (at its deepest), I run 3 powerheads constantly and the aquascaping leaves a lot to be desired.

My question is, would it do any damage to my system if I made changes to the system in one go. What I would like to do is as follows:

1.Remove live rock and fish to containers with the water from the sump.
2.Add some more sand and mix this with the sand that is 'live'. To take depth to around 4.5'.
3.Remove 2 of the powerheads and replace with a tunze stream and a device that creates an alternating flow.
4.Clear the rocks of most of the green algae that's built up.
5.Re-aquascape the live rock so that it provides both hiding places and an open swimming space (currently just a pile of rocks).
6.Return the fish to their new and improved home.

Is this too much, too soon for the system? Also would it be ok to leave the boxing shrimp in the tank whilst the rocks are removed, added back?

Any advice or suggestions most welcome.

Just want to improve the system as much as possible before thinking about adding more livestock!

clippo
25-07-06, 15:12
building the rockwork on top of the sand bed is the biggest problem I can see. In addition to instability, compacted ares under the rocks could become anoxic. I'd get out all the rock, then catch livestock, then remove the sand with a fine net, sort out your pumps, mix the sands together, clean the rock, reaquascape, add back sand, start pumps, let it clear, add livestock. 4.5" substrate sounds an odd depth to me - not really a shallow or deep bed (I'd go for just an inch, but the stream may cause a problem)

Morph3ous
25-07-06, 17:18
Sorry to jack your thread mate, but can I ask a quick question?

What is the difference between a Powerhead and a Tunze/Seio 'stream'?? Are they not the same thing?

alanwsg
25-07-06, 17:31
What is the difference between a Powerhead and a Tunze/Seio 'stream'?? Are they not the same thing?
No, not really.

Powerheads are probably what you imagine they are, they produce a strong, narrow 'jet' of current in the tank. Typically the output is about 10mm dia.

Streams produce a much wider, more dispersed flow which is closer to real reef conditions. Typically the output is 50mm dia. They also cost a great deal more.

Morph3ous
25-07-06, 17:50
Ah ha. Thanking you...:)

Streams will be what i want then... nice one.

*Off to check which ones are best*

alanwsg
25-07-06, 18:40
Tunze 6000 / 6100 are the best.
Buy a 6000 & if it's not powerful enough you can upgrade it to a 6100 for a total price of not much more than a 6100 to start with.