snitz312
New Member
Hello all. Long time reader, first time poster here
. I'm not completely new to the hobby. I have had my 24 Gallon Aquapod up and running for about 6 months (which to some may still seem like I'm a newbie). However, my job at college is taking care of a 250 Gallon and two 125 Gallon saltwater tanks. The 250 and one 125 are reef tanks and the other 125 is a FOWLR tank. So, I do have a wide range of experience with saltwater but, as always, still have many, many questions (and probably always will). However, this post is regarding the tank I will be purchasing on Friday. I found this deal on craigslist and it was too good to pass up. When i actually have the goods I will list everything that came with it and post some pics.
My first question is regarding the sand bed. I have heard and read that a four inch sand bed is optimum because it promotes the nitrogen cycle within a tank by providing a habitat for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In your experiences is this true? Would a three inch sand bed provide the same benefits?
My second question is whether the live rock should be placed directly onto the glass bottom of the tank or on egg crating. I know that placing it directly onto a 3-4 inch sand bed would result in disaster (as the sand would settle or the critters within the tank would move the sand and the rock work would collapse). If egg crating is a good choice how would this work? Meaning, would the sand be added, then egg crate, then rock? Or would the egg crate be on the bottom, then sand, then rock?
Third question: The lighting that comes with the tank is (I believe) two 150 watt 10K MH and two 96 watt Actinic PC lights within a hood. My math places the watts-per-gallon at around 6.8 with 4.1 from 10K MH and 2.7 from the Actinic PC lights. I would love to keep a variety of corals including SPS and LPS, the option for a clam, as well as a Rose Bubble Tip Anemone. Is this lighting sufficient? From what I know it is but I would appreciate any other opinions.
Alright, well I have many more questions but I will leave it at this for now. Thanks in advance for any comments or advice!
My first question is regarding the sand bed. I have heard and read that a four inch sand bed is optimum because it promotes the nitrogen cycle within a tank by providing a habitat for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In your experiences is this true? Would a three inch sand bed provide the same benefits?
My second question is whether the live rock should be placed directly onto the glass bottom of the tank or on egg crating. I know that placing it directly onto a 3-4 inch sand bed would result in disaster (as the sand would settle or the critters within the tank would move the sand and the rock work would collapse). If egg crating is a good choice how would this work? Meaning, would the sand be added, then egg crate, then rock? Or would the egg crate be on the bottom, then sand, then rock?
Third question: The lighting that comes with the tank is (I believe) two 150 watt 10K MH and two 96 watt Actinic PC lights within a hood. My math places the watts-per-gallon at around 6.8 with 4.1 from 10K MH and 2.7 from the Actinic PC lights. I would love to keep a variety of corals including SPS and LPS, the option for a clam, as well as a Rose Bubble Tip Anemone. Is this lighting sufficient? From what I know it is but I would appreciate any other opinions.
Alright, well I have many more questions but I will leave it at this for now. Thanks in advance for any comments or advice!
