Redid The Tank A Bit - Pics

[MtnDewMan]

Well, I have not been happy with my tank lately. The coral has not been doing well. I had some real old rock in there from when I had the sand bed. I elected to pull some old rock out and keep the newer rock. I basically pulled out half the rock and redid the tank.

Here is the tank 3 months ago. I had lost some coral between then and now.

Here is the tank as of today with less rock.

 

[BCT182]

Looking great. It looks like you were to free up some space for things to grow out a bit. Very nice.

 

[Curtswearing]

I like it a lot Chuck. Especially the cave on the right side. It adds a lot of character.

 

[jesshimom]

It looks great! So can you get away with that much rock? I always thought more was better even though I'd like to have a lot less for that very reason.

 

[big t]

I think that it's looking nice chuck. I am sorry to hear that you have been having trouble with the tank, hopefully getting rid of that old rock will help. So are you using any kalk? What are your current lights, the color of your corals and the light color look good in the pictures.

 

[NaH2O]

Looking good Chuck!!! I also really like the structure on the right.

Colleen - I'm not sure how much rock is there, but one thing to keep in mind....too much rock can create dead spaces that lack good flow, and may build up too much detritus. I've noticed that some tanks where the rock is stacked right up in the back will get more algae growth in those areas then more circulated areas. IMO, when talking about biofiltration, certainly the more rock you have will allow for more bacterial populations to break down organic matter, but the bacteria isn't only on/in the rock...it is also on other surfaces. You will get the majority of processing in the rock, as it has incredible surface area. However, I feel there is a balance. As long as the bacteria can handle the bioload of rock that is removed - it will be fine. Husbandry will also play a factor. I think Chuck's old rock was hindering his system more than helping. The younger/new rock will pick up the slack in no time. It looks to me like there is still at least 1 pound per gallon there?

 

[reedman]

Nicely done Chuck! I think the more open it is the more "natural" it ends up looking after the corals grow in. I really hope this solves your issues and brings the tank back to what it was before (or better...if that's possible). I miss the inspirational photos of the past.

looking great though!

 

[mojoreef]

Right on Chuck, good plan of the removal of that old stuff, I just did the same a few months ago. Hey I have 2 peices of that new Pukani left over, thier not big peices but have nice shape, you can have them if you want.


Mike

 

[MtnDewMan]

Thanks everyone. I think this will help. While I was at it I completely siphoned out all that was left of the soot and crushed coral I originally put in. So now it is 100% bare bottom.

I will take that rock Mike ... sounds good to me. Thanks

Colleen, Nikki was probably pretty close at her guess. I am thinking I have about 75 lbs of rock in here, maybe a bit less for my 75 gallon tank.

 

[clownnrnd]

looks good chuck should be stunning when all grows in. Is that a encrusting Monti growing on your overflow?
See Ya

 

[wrassehole]

good on ya chuck

 

[MtnDewMan]

Those are green star polyps on the overflow