New Tank?

[marynik007]

Hello,
I curently have a 37 gallon glass tank. In it is a Royal gramma, Zebra moray eel, Tube worm & a purple condi anemone. There is about 30lbs of crushed coral in there and 10lbs of rock. The coral and the rock were not bought "live" whatever that entails, but they both grow lots of green alge strands.
I am thinking of upgrading to a 75-90 or so tank. I was told that a underground filter would be best because of the sensitivity to metal in salt water fish tanks. So what is the best kind of filter to use? I have heard of these overflow and was wondering if they are worth the trouble and what they actually do.
Also with all that room in the tank when I do "Go Large" what other critters should I put in there.
Lastly can I just scoop all the cc out of the old tank, put it in the new one, drain the water over add the fish and then add new water? Or is it better to cycle the whole tank over then introduce the cc, rocks ect. to the new tank?
Thanks to all who reply,
Tom <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />

 

[trigahappynigerog]

UGF are a thing of the past. use a regular overflow. with a sump or refugia. skimming and carbon will work but a DSB can add some additional filtration.. you can slowly build it up as a reef.

 

[beth]

Undergravel filters were made for the FW hobby and then adopted for the marine hobby because there was not anything else available at the time. However, it became clear that the UGF is actually a nitrate factory because in order to use it, you need to use coarse gravel [crushed coral]. This type of substrate inhibits, significantly, the breakdown of organic byproducts in the aquaria resulting in a bottleneck effect once the nitrogen cycle gets to the nitrate production stage. Thus, nitrates are not broken down enough, fast enough due to this type filter.
You need to think about the type of animals you want in your future system in order to decide on the filtration. Reef systems rely a good deal on a natural filtration system [live rock and live sand]. However, if you are going with an aggressive setup, there are many of these types of fish that will destroy a reef. So, obviously, you need to think about what type of tank you want to setup.
Additionally, stay away from wet/drys as well as any canister filters [for the same reason you don't want to use the UGF]. The excess algae you are experiencing is most likely due to nitrates and/or phosphates in your system. What are your water readings?

 

[marynik007]

When I did my last water check it was all normal ph was 8.1 the only thing that was a little high was the nitrate it was around 30 so I did a 10gl water change.
I went to the LFS and the said that the water in the town I live in (Davis, CA) Is really bad because of all the green belt surounding it (i.e. it get's alot of fertilizer ect.) Davis is a "green" city and dosent belive in filtering water before sending it to your house.
Any ways aside from all that I bought the new tank yesterday 48x18x20 75gl and I went with a wet/dry filter. Just wating on the stand to come in on wed. I cant wait to get her up and running.
Tom <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />

 

[henry]

Hey Tom,
I work in Davis - just thought I'd say hi
I never drink the water in Davis, so when I lived there it didn't go in my tank either!
Keep us posted on your new tank.
Julie

 

[henry]

Hey Tom, I also meant to ask how you like the zebra eel. I've been thinking about one myself.

 

[marynik007]

I never drink the water either but I was told mineral content can be somewhat benificial so I tried it. No More
As for the zebra Eel He is my favorite I love 'em he has such a cool personality!
Tom <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />