took the mh plunge..suggestions for new additions

[robzilla]

hi, i finally purchased a 250w de coralvue setup. s/b set up next week. my tank is still relatively new (3-4months) and was wondering what some safe additions would be, in terms of sps/polyps/frags.

 

[NaH2O]

Welcome to Reef Frontiers!!! What do you currently have in the tank? How are your water parameters - have they been stable?

 

[robzilla]

hi, i've edited my signature with tank details. the water parameter have been stable since cycling my tank. the lr is showing signs of growth but i'm hoping with the new lights it enhance the growth.

 

[bradreef]

cc is a bad idea for substrate. SPS are touchy. polyps will overtake everything. I would try a easy LPS first if you dont want soft corals or you plan on mostly doing SPS.

 

[robzilla]

is there any easy way of removing the cc and switching to sand? without losing the beneficial critters in the cc and having a dust storm?

 

[NaH2O]

When changing out substrate, try to keep your rock in some water to prevent as much die off as you can. Keep all your water (and livestock) in rubbermaid garbage cans or bins of some sort, along with live rock, heaters and powerheads. If you are concerned about a sand storm, I have heard of people trying a few things. First, put the sand in when the tank doesn't have water in it. Then, use a clean landscape cloth and pour the water in on top of that. Once the tank is full, remove the cloth. There will probably be some dusting, but it will settle as bacteria inhabit the small particles. I've also heard of pouring the water on top of a plate resting on the sand. In regards to sandbed fauna, you can either ask a fellow reefer for a scoop of live sand from their tank, or some LFS sell it. There are online retailers that sell detrivore kits, too. Also, before you put the rock back in the tank, give it a good blasting with a powerhead to free up any detritus/junk that has collected. Here is a thread where MtnDewMan/Chuck removed his sandbed - didn't replace with new, but you will get the idea.

Sandbed Removal Complete - Heavy Graphics

Also, a recent similar thread: To Change or not to change from CC to SB

Hope this helps!

 

[robzilla]

thanks, that definitely helps. i was wondering on how you clean the sandbeds. but i guess you don't, not like the cc. i was thinking on switching out the front half of my pentagon shaped tank for starters, this way it will get seeded from the cc....