SW - considering taking the plunge.
- Thread starter ShortyKiloGyrl
- Start date
I'm going to have to change over the lid to plexiglass, acrylic or glass to allow more light through. Currently it's a plastic top with a piece of glass only as big as the light that sits on top.
This is the light I was thinking about using in the 18-24" model:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=27873
This is the light I was thinking about using in the 18-24" model:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=27873
The tank is 20" from left to right side and from the widest part of the bow front to the back of the tank is 13". But I would like a portion of that to remain open from the light to lift the lid for feeding without having to move the light.
Does sand color matter as long as it is live marine sand?
Okay cool. I have been impressed with their FW lights so I figured their SW would probably work as well.
clownie said:
Is aragonite better to use? I like the looks of the black sand though better. It seems to make the rock/coral/fish colors pop more.
Which color do you have in your tanks?
clownie
Well-Known Member
I run high end sps tanks, and like to keep my phosphate,nitrate at 0 (ultra low nutrients) so I don't use sand in my tank. I have in the past, and with 90% of the corals out there it's fine to do it. I just choose not to in this tank. I also run a frag tank with no sand but that is just to keep costs low on the frag tank.
Oh okay 
I've read some people don't use sand in some forums.
I've read some people don't use sand in some forums.
Oh I like it! What do you suggest for powerhead(s) for the 16 gallon? I've talked to a 25+ year reef keeper who said 2-3 small ones in my tank would be fine.
clownie
Well-Known Member
Flow means a lot in a reef tank and you want the pumps to move around 20-30 times your water volume per hour. There are many brands that will work but i can vouch for Hydor Koralia Nano,JBJ Oceanstream, EcoTech Marine are ones I have used. There is also Jaebo that are getting really good reviews at an awesome price pointShortyKiloGyrl said:
So if I were to have 2-3 pumps would I want each pump to be 20-30 times the water volume or would I divide that 20-30 times volume between the 2-3 pumps?
Oh okay, well that's easy enough. Would I place one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom in the other half of the tank? Both have flow facing the same direction?
clownie
Well-Known Member
ShortyKiloGyrl said:
That is decision I will leave to you. There are countless combinations, just try something that doesn't create deadspots that don't get any flow. The idea of the flow is to emulate the flow of the tides ,that help remove organic waste from around the polyps.
Hmmm, lol Since I have no idea since I've never done SW before. Do you want it facing in the same direction atleast?