Cold Water Reef Plan

[fishmaster]

Well, I'm still in the building/reasearch phase like you. What I can tell you is info that I have researched and planned on my own. I would totally avoid the barnicles, they can cover everthing in your tank over time. If you want a filter feeder, oysters would be a better choice. I don't know how much they would improve your water quality though.I plan on running a sump with macro as well, a skimmer, charcoal & phos. media, and a uv-to kill barnicle larvae I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming that local rock would act as "live rock". I can't find any solid data on this, so it would be a matter of trying it ourselves.

[justinl]

as far as i know the cycle thing witht he bacteria still applies to cold SW as it does tropical. same for FW at all temps. So i would set up the tank, sand rock, mechanics and throw in a frozen uncooked shrimp and then just watch the nitrogen levels (NH4, NO2, NO3).

so yah i would assume the local rock would be "live". but i could be wrong.

as for filter feeders, I would consider an oyster (only one so you can keep a close eye on it) . scallop would be fun too. if you want the ultimate cool filter feeder though, think about a crinoid. now those guys are fun.

huh i never realised there was actually more than one or two people on canreef really interested in cold water tanks.

[fishmaster]

One thing I've read about cold water cycling is that it takes alot longer than warm. It's recomended that you cycle your tank a little warmer-say 15 then slowly bring down your temp. There's some good info on wet web media, I think I did a search on "cold water marine"

[Knobsmith]

Thanks again. More great info. Not sure if you have seen this yet, but here is a thread from RC:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=890751

Amazing cold water set-up.
As far as local rock is concerned, I don't think it is as effective as it is not as porous as tropical rock.

[fishmaster]

I'm sure you could add some more porous base rock.

[justinl]

have you guys seen steve weast's coldwater tanks? OMFG amazing. he has some of the most beautiful set ups in the world and they're only experimental! shame about his tropical tank crash though. that had to suck big time.

[fishmaster]

His tanks look great! I've really got to get mine going! Going through that thread, maybe a sulphur reactor would be a smart addition. Although the macro sump could eliminate allot of nitrates. Some of our macro's grow at amazing rates.

[Quagmire]

Those tanks of his are fantastic.I think if I was closer to the coast I would give a cold water tank a try myself.As it is living in Calgary finding livestock would be very hit and miss.As far as cost,it seems you must spend $$ on a chiller,but the cost is offset by not having to spend alot on lights.Other than that,is it just the insulated tank that is needed? and the rest of the equip pretty much the same as tropical tanks?