Hi, Newbie Here, In Planning and Research Stage

[Aquattro]

I found that it was often exposed and created little 1/4" packets of compressed sand in each hole. It limits available space for sand dwelling critters unless you're using a lot of sand. It didn't do much for rock stability IMO, compared to many other tanks where I didn't use it. Upon removing it, the sand packed into the holes was very dark and stinky, not a healthy sand bed. I don't even quite recall why I used it, and a couple years into the tank, I wish I hadn't. Once it's there, it doesn't come out unless you empty the entire tank.
In the end, I think it adds complexity and potential issues and doesn't give any benefit to these costs.
If you really don't trust gravity to hold the rocks in place, add a small square of eggcrate to the bottom of rocks using putty or whatever.

[mike31154]

I used some large diameter ABS pipe cut into slices with holes in the sides of the slices to allow some measure of circulation to support my rockwork. Next time around I will likely cut them into half slices like this & silicone them to the bottom.



The pipe I used on the current tank kept floating up, turns out it is buoyant. Will take a bit of planning, but now is the time to do it, with an empty tank. I suppose one could simply scatter a few of these all over the bottom & play around with setting up the rocks. If they get exposed later by sand movers, the black won't be quite as obtrusive & will eventually be covered in coralline. Strategically placed to support each rock, they shouldn't be easily exposed. If they really become an eyesore, easier to remove than a large piece of egg crate. Large diameter white PVC pipe could be an option as well.

[TripleT]

Wow, going from fresh to salt seems pretty daunting!

Some great success stories, and nasty failures...

Time and patience seems the most prudent protocol, however, MSEEPMAN'S 290g reef tank is something else! Incredible, fantastic and scary... yikes!

Mechanically I'm good. What's scary: All the DOSING. Thanks Roskoreef Beautiful setup though, and wish u continued success!

So far,
90g-120g in wall display tank.
Bean Animal shore to shore siphon setup. (where to pick up those screened elbows in Calgary?)
Separate sump and separate refugium.
Bubble Magus Curve 7 Skimmer.

Also. I like the idea of only using eggcrate to hold the rocks in place. Thanks Aquattro!

Terry

[TripleT]

Latest score! Need info as to which tubes hook up to what. And source for new filter housing.
I plan on using the tank for directing drinking water to the dispensing tap via a diverting valve in the line to the RO water tank of 50gal. Is this possible with this setup?

Thanks,
Terry

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by TripleT

Also. I like the idea of only using eggcrate to hold the rocks in place. Thanks Aquattro!

Terry

No. Backwards. Eggcrate sucks. I'd never use it again. Use gravity to hold rocks in place, it's free and much more aesthetic.