reefkeeperZ
Member
Reef start up: Maximizing bio-diversity
Hey guys, had a moment to think and since I am starting up a new 30g I figured I would throw some of my ideas around on how to maximize bio-diversity in a new tank.
What do you mean, you ask. I mean trying to get as much variation in bacterial species, micro fauna, and all that other cool stuff that comes to dwell in our tanks. Which over the course of time tends to dwindle to a couple of the more dominant species and life forms.
Sand:
Generally when starting up a new tank I use new sand, if its normal dry sand or even the bagged "aragalive" its pretty much barren. With debateable amounts of bacteria (depending on shelf age). So whenever possible I hit up all my local reefers for a scoop of their sand, about a cup from each, the more the merrier (use caution: do not introduce sand from someone who has had ich in their tank recently, unless you plan on going more than 6 weeks fishless) yes I give them a cup of my void sand so they arent diminishing their tanks sand bed.
Rock:
Tempting to just buy a large lot to fill your tank with however much you need. I tend to buy bits and pieces here and there from as many different places/sources as possible, and again I buy some rock to trade out with people who have established tanks, usually medium small chuncks and even swap out for just a piece or 5 of rubble.
Macro algaes:
Home to tons of stuff. grabbing a small chunk of cheato from a couple different people can bring a wealth of pod species, micro brittle stars, asterina etc.
Refugium sludge/random debris:
Yup that nasty stuff that looks like snot that every one tries to get rid of can be home to some really cool stuff, or its eggs. I'll grab a bit of that from whoever has some and introduce small amounts to my tank or fuge. (depending on the set up.)
Note:
I do not rinse, dip, or quarantine any of this stuff, I also drip acclimate ALL of it (yes even the sand and algaes) to maximize survivability of everything that may be riding along.
Disclaimer:
I am not responsible if you do this incautiously and introduce nasties like majano or aiptasia. please be aware that the risk is real, but the benifits are obvious in the wealth of life that will be in the tank sooner.
Does this mature the tank faster? IMO not really. The tank will still take about a year to reach what I consider maturity, and that depends on how much you change the tank over the year. Anyhow hope you enjoyed this quick write up.
reefkprZ:
The fraggin' freak
Hey guys, had a moment to think and since I am starting up a new 30g I figured I would throw some of my ideas around on how to maximize bio-diversity in a new tank.
What do you mean, you ask. I mean trying to get as much variation in bacterial species, micro fauna, and all that other cool stuff that comes to dwell in our tanks. Which over the course of time tends to dwindle to a couple of the more dominant species and life forms.
Sand:
Generally when starting up a new tank I use new sand, if its normal dry sand or even the bagged "aragalive" its pretty much barren. With debateable amounts of bacteria (depending on shelf age). So whenever possible I hit up all my local reefers for a scoop of their sand, about a cup from each, the more the merrier (use caution: do not introduce sand from someone who has had ich in their tank recently, unless you plan on going more than 6 weeks fishless) yes I give them a cup of my void sand so they arent diminishing their tanks sand bed.
Rock:
Tempting to just buy a large lot to fill your tank with however much you need. I tend to buy bits and pieces here and there from as many different places/sources as possible, and again I buy some rock to trade out with people who have established tanks, usually medium small chuncks and even swap out for just a piece or 5 of rubble.
Macro algaes:
Home to tons of stuff. grabbing a small chunk of cheato from a couple different people can bring a wealth of pod species, micro brittle stars, asterina etc.
Refugium sludge/random debris:
Yup that nasty stuff that looks like snot that every one tries to get rid of can be home to some really cool stuff, or its eggs. I'll grab a bit of that from whoever has some and introduce small amounts to my tank or fuge. (depending on the set up.)
Note:
I do not rinse, dip, or quarantine any of this stuff, I also drip acclimate ALL of it (yes even the sand and algaes) to maximize survivability of everything that may be riding along.
Disclaimer:
I am not responsible if you do this incautiously and introduce nasties like majano or aiptasia. please be aware that the risk is real, but the benifits are obvious in the wealth of life that will be in the tank sooner.
Does this mature the tank faster? IMO not really. The tank will still take about a year to reach what I consider maturity, and that depends on how much you change the tank over the year. Anyhow hope you enjoyed this quick write up.
reefkprZ:
The fraggin' freak
