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View Full Version : Creating a sandstorm

Waddleboy
12/19/2011, 10:50 PM
Long story short i got two mp40's for basically the price of one so i am using them in my 90 gallon which is 38X24X24. I am currently in reefcrest mode and my nice flat sand i have made lots of craters. They are about 3 inches off the top and are making micro bubbles but i am afraid to lower them. They are on the 5th power bar i believe for power and are opposite sides of the tank. Any ideas on how to place them to make it better? Should i place them lower and lower the flow? Thanks for the help
uncleof6
12/19/2011, 11:01 PM
Place a very THIN layer of 5 - 10mm substrate (shell/coral rubble etc.) over the fine sand. This should keep it from blowing around. This is a trick for keeping a DSB in place, so as long as the layer is thin, it will not cause problems. Aruba Puka Shell or similar should work.
Waddleboy
12/19/2011, 11:10 PM
like any kind? like caribsand? or something thicker. what should i put on it?
uncleof6
12/19/2011, 11:13 PM
like any kind? like caribsand? or something thicker. what should i put on it?


I was editing while you were posting, but Caribsea Aruba Puka Shell or similar should work. You can sort it out if you don't want the really big pieces.
Waddleboy
12/19/2011, 11:16 PM
okay sounds good. would that affect the goby or pistol shrimp or snails in the tank that like to burrow? will they be able to get through this?
uncleof6
12/19/2011, 11:20 PM
Yes, they may build with it.
Waddleboy
12/19/2011, 11:22 PM
okay great thank. ill throw a light layer on. Does it matter if its the fine or regular for the puka shells? Should i lower the vortech lower towards the middle of the glass and decrease power or keep them where they are?
uncleof6
12/19/2011, 11:38 PM
the fine is a bit small, and the regular does get a bit big. Like i said look for an average between 5 - 10mm, sort it a little, we are not looking at a huge volume of this stuff, and just a thin layer, don't pile it up a lot. I would try moving the vortechs down, and then if necessary lower the flow slightly.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu274/uncleof6/DSBtoplayer.jpg (http://s655.photobucket.com/albums/uu274/uncleof6/?action=view&current=DSBtoplayer.jpg)
Waddleboy
12/19/2011, 11:59 PM
alright will do thanks so much for the help and advice