J-Ross
04/14/2006, 12:08 PM
Ok, so I've decided to go with this tri-zonal design, modified a bit to have some specific things I would like to have. The idea is to have a 'naturally filtered reef'. The basic theory for those of you that have not heard of it is this:
Much of the filtering done on the reefs, is done in the areas not seen. These areas vary, from between corals, to undersides of ledges, to deep in the reef. Conditions of lighting, and flow vary from place to place. Many of you have this simulated in your established tanks, as I've seen with Ed's. The reef structure, and mature rock have many of the organisms that I will have seperated. The tri-zonal creates dedicated area's, and tries to help proportion it.
The three areas are as such,
(30% Volume) The Cryptic Area, low light/low flow
-- This area will house sponges, and sea squirts
(20% Volume) Filter Feeder Zone, varied light/med-high flow
-- This area will have gorgonians, oysters, feather dusters
(50% Volume) Exposed Zone, High light/High flow
-- Corals, Fish, etc..
The system design uses a diffusion barrier made of black acrylic. This barrier has many smaller holes, and two large holes for fish to swim through. This along with temporary light blockers on the outside, creates a dedicated cryptic area. It is recommended to be bare bottom in the exposed/filter feeder zone, with a sand bed in the cryptic area to help with buffering. It is also recommended not to house organisms that will throw sand into the water column as it will block pores in the sponges and kill them.
With the barrier, and cryptic area on one end of the tank, in the middle is the filter feeder zone. The filter feeder zone is created as the sloping reef flat of the exposed zone comes to it's highest point, and creates a cliff/ledge a short distance away (20% volume) from the barrier. This area will get varied light, depending on depth, and a flow through pattern for the filter feeders. Two powerheads will be aimed in opposite directions from the filter feeder zone, over the reef flat in an angle to create circular flow to facilitate the filter feeders. Direction will be alternated, and turbulence created.
Ok, well there is the basic idea. I will be adding a refuge. With the fuge I am considering a tidal mangrove forest, along with macro. I'm also going to alter the substrate issue, I'm not sure about having a bare bottom. I would also like some things that will dig. Perhaps a larger grain size, or rubble bottom? More to come, and I will get a picture of the installed diffusion barrier today.
--Jason
Much of the filtering done on the reefs, is done in the areas not seen. These areas vary, from between corals, to undersides of ledges, to deep in the reef. Conditions of lighting, and flow vary from place to place. Many of you have this simulated in your established tanks, as I've seen with Ed's. The reef structure, and mature rock have many of the organisms that I will have seperated. The tri-zonal creates dedicated area's, and tries to help proportion it.
The three areas are as such,
(30% Volume) The Cryptic Area, low light/low flow
-- This area will house sponges, and sea squirts
(20% Volume) Filter Feeder Zone, varied light/med-high flow
-- This area will have gorgonians, oysters, feather dusters
(50% Volume) Exposed Zone, High light/High flow
-- Corals, Fish, etc..
The system design uses a diffusion barrier made of black acrylic. This barrier has many smaller holes, and two large holes for fish to swim through. This along with temporary light blockers on the outside, creates a dedicated cryptic area. It is recommended to be bare bottom in the exposed/filter feeder zone, with a sand bed in the cryptic area to help with buffering. It is also recommended not to house organisms that will throw sand into the water column as it will block pores in the sponges and kill them.
With the barrier, and cryptic area on one end of the tank, in the middle is the filter feeder zone. The filter feeder zone is created as the sloping reef flat of the exposed zone comes to it's highest point, and creates a cliff/ledge a short distance away (20% volume) from the barrier. This area will get varied light, depending on depth, and a flow through pattern for the filter feeders. Two powerheads will be aimed in opposite directions from the filter feeder zone, over the reef flat in an angle to create circular flow to facilitate the filter feeders. Direction will be alternated, and turbulence created.
Ok, well there is the basic idea. I will be adding a refuge. With the fuge I am considering a tidal mangrove forest, along with macro. I'm also going to alter the substrate issue, I'm not sure about having a bare bottom. I would also like some things that will dig. Perhaps a larger grain size, or rubble bottom? More to come, and I will get a picture of the installed diffusion barrier today.
--Jason