The "How to go Barebottom thread." - Page 11

nellahtes · 09/16/2005, 03:26 PM

i just received my starboard today and it wont stay on the bottom of the tank. is there a way to sit on the bottom or just the weight of the LR that does it?

Weatherman · 09/16/2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by socal1
i just received my starboard today and it wont stay on the bottom of the tank. is there a way to sit on the bottom or just the weight of the LR that does it?

HDPE plastic (starboard, MarinaBoard, cutting board) is buoyant. The only way to get it to stay on the bottom is to attach it with silicone or weigh it down with rock.

CraigsReef · 09/18/2005, 01:31 AM

Just a quick question but if your running BB do you no longer need dsb or mud in your fuge?

JMBoehling · 09/18/2005, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CraigsReef
Just a quick question but if your running BB do you no longer need dsb or mud in your fuge?

Dump it all or you'll end up with a Nitrate factory like mine was. I too wanted the apparent best of both worlds and it didn't work. Unless your fuge is as big or bigger than your display, it will be undersized and unable to handle the bioload of your tank. Oh yeah, don't worry about your pod and mysid population in your fuge, they'll come back even in a bare bottom fuge (I was worried about reducing my natural food for my reef ).

Go BB in your display and Fuge (Some on the board say you don't need a fuge but I like keeping Chaeto for PO4 and other nutrient uptake..)

I have a 90 and have (02) Seio 1500's on the bottom keeping things suspended and eventually to my overflow plumbed directly to my Deltec AP600 and fuge.. It works great! 3 months later and still undetectable Nitrates on my test kit

Tennismurph · 09/18/2005, 06:55 AM

great comprehensive thread for newbies like myself. Lost me right in the beginning with the starboard stuff for the bottom. Whats its purpose? why can't the bottom be just the glass tank bottom?

MiddletonMark · 09/18/2005, 07:01 AM

Starboard is often used so that a rock fall won't crack the tank [esp on big tanks with big LR pieces].

Along with that, the white starboard is quite reflective and will allow some of the undersides of stuff get a little more light.

Tennismurph · 09/18/2005, 02:42 PM

Mark,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry if this is a FAQ But what does it look like and where do I get it? I may have to redo my BB 180. Thanks Murph

NoSchwag · 09/18/2005, 05:43 PM

I am going to be setting up a new sump with my BB tank and need help with it.

I know that it is very important in a BB tank to have a place for the detritus to settle in the sump. I also know that I want my input for my MR2 skimmer to be in that part of the sump and the return for my skimmer will be going into the 3rd part of my sump.

The dimensions of the sump need to be squareish to take up 1/2 of my stand. I want them to be 20" X 16" X 16" (L X W X H)

What I don't know is how far my baffles need to be apart from each other, how many baffles I need, and how low to the bottom they need to be.

I know Bomber said that the first 2 baffles need to be closer to each other with the first one sucking water from the bottom, so my drawing reflects that. But I'm not sure how close they need to be??

And one last thing... I know that I need the pump return area to be larger so that I have more lee way for the water that evaporates out of the tank, it will go for a longer time without the sump running dry. My question here is should that last baffle have water flowing over it?

Thanks for any help

NoSchwag · 09/18/2005, 05:45 PM

tsquad · 09/18/2005, 08:19 PM

I am finally taking the plunge. I'm going to cook my rocks, and then set up my tank at my Dad's. Starting "new" with all the equipment, rocks, and animals. So just making it better

I do have a couple questions.

When cooking the rock, what is used for biological filtration on the main tank? Since all the sand is gone, and all the rock is cooking (in my scenario), what will be the biological filtration? Should I throw some sponges in there now to absorb the good bacteria, and leave those in the main tank while "cooking?"

Also, my new system will be two 20L display tanks connected to a 150g Rubbermaid stock tank "refugium." This will just basically be a xenia/anthelia farm. Will this take away from the BB benefits? I've read not to run a fuge in BB setups, but this isn't technically a fuge.

Thanks for taking the time to write all this, it's really helpful!

Tyler

NoSchwag · 09/18/2005, 09:23 PM

What kind of skimmer are you running again?

::edit:: For what it's worth Weatherman has a piece of Xenia in his BB tank that isn't growing much at all. It's healthy and pumps, but the nutrient poor water prevents them from growing much.

NoSchwag · 09/18/2005, 09:29 PM

My MS Paint skills sucks.

You get a headache trying to figure that puzzle out.

tsquad · 09/19/2005, 05:17 AM

I've got a EuroReefCS6-2+. Good point about xenia. Hm.

NoSchwag · 09/19/2005, 01:41 PM

I would think If you had the ability to get all detritus over the overflow and into your skimmer (decent return pump + enough flow in tank to keep everyting suspended + wet skimming) I would think your skimmer is enough (depending on your fish load) to take care of filtration.

Is that skimmer a recirc?

I'm far from an expert, but that's what I think.

NoSchwag · 09/19/2005, 01:43 PM

Also.. Everyone please disregard my drawing of the sump, it's too confusing.

I'll start my own thread.

Thanks.

tsquad · 09/19/2005, 03:48 PM

The skimmer isnt recirculating. My return pump is a Mag18, so I know I will have enough flow. It will be split for each 20L, the SPS one will get lots of flow, the anemone/clown one will get less. Controlled by gate valves, so if I see one tank isn't getting enough, just open the valve a bit more.

What should I do with the sump? If the anthelia/xenia farm won't produce, then I just won't have a fuge. Ideas? 150g is pretty big.

arconom · 09/20/2005, 08:14 PM

SeanT

Astreas snails,Cerith snails, no hermits?

SeanT · 09/20/2005, 09:16 PM

No hermits.

cecilturtle · 09/20/2005, 10:17 PM

What's the optimal recommended overflow turnover for BB? Assuming there is abundant turnover inside the main tank....

Travis · 09/20/2005, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cecilturtle
What's the optimal recommended overflow turnover for BB? Assuming there is abundant turnover inside the main tank....

Depends on what your skimmer can turn over.

cecilturtle · 09/20/2005, 11:18 PM

Travis,

I have a H&S 200 with 2 pumps that pulls most of the overflowed water and a Euro 5-3 that catches some that bypasses the H&S, but there seems to still be plenty in main tank that is not making it to the overflow. Siphoning daily therefore.

Travis · 09/20/2005, 11:37 PM

My guess is either your rocks are still cleaning themselves (most likely) or you may not have enough flow to keep the detritus from settling.

arconom · 09/21/2005, 08:11 AM

SeanT

What is the norm per say of Astreas and Ceriths? I have a 75 gallon tank. I will be ordering this week or next week. I'm not sure if the 1 per gallon a rule applies?

Travis · 09/21/2005, 09:23 AM

IMO, 1 astrea and 3 ceriths per gallon. Or should I have said IBO (In Bomber's Opinion).

Anyways, that is what I went with and have been pleased with the results.

wastememphis · 09/21/2005, 09:43 AM

260 snails seems like alot for a 65gallon tank doesn't it??????

Travis: do you have over 1100 snails???

neil.

edit: what bout the mini blue legged hermits on www.keyscritters.com??

09/18/2005, 07:01 AM	#256
MiddletonMark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 14,441	Starboard is often used so that a rock fall won't crack the tank [esp on big tanks with big LR pieces]. Along with that, the white starboard is quite reflective and will allow some of the undersides of stuff get a little more light. __________________ read a lot, think for yourself Current Tank Info: 58g stony reef [250w10k, 250w 20k MH, 2x vho act, Octopus150, 6060 + 6000] ; 60g mixed tub

09/18/2005, 05:43 PM	#258
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	I am going to be setting up a new sump with my BB tank and need help with it. I know that it is very important in a BB tank to have a place for the detritus to settle in the sump. I also know that I want my input for my MR2 skimmer to be in that part of the sump and the return for my skimmer will be going into the 3rd part of my sump. The dimensions of the sump need to be squareish to take up 1/2 of my stand. I want them to be 20" X 16" X 16" (L X W X H) What I don't know is how far my baffles need to be apart from each other, how many baffles I need, and how low to the bottom they need to be. I know Bomber said that the first 2 baffles need to be closer to each other with the first one sucking water from the bottom, so my drawing reflects that. But I'm not sure how close they need to be?? And one last thing... I know that I need the pump return area to be larger so that I have more lee way for the water that evaporates out of the tank, it will go for a longer time without the sump running dry. My question here is should that last baffle have water flowing over it? Thanks for any help __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

09/18/2005, 05:45 PM	#259
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	__________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

09/18/2005, 08:19 PM	#260
tsquad Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 3,297	I am finally taking the plunge. I'm going to cook my rocks, and then set up my tank at my Dad's. Starting "new" with all the equipment, rocks, and animals. So just making it better I do have a couple questions. When cooking the rock, what is used for biological filtration on the main tank? Since all the sand is gone, and all the rock is cooking (in my scenario), what will be the biological filtration? Should I throw some sponges in there now to absorb the good bacteria, and leave those in the main tank while "cooking?" Also, my new system will be two 20L display tanks connected to a 150g Rubbermaid stock tank "refugium." This will just basically be a xenia/anthelia farm. Will this take away from the BB benefits? I've read not to run a fuge in BB setups, but this isn't technically a fuge. Thanks for taking the time to write all this, it's really helpful! Tyler __________________ Tyler Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty If your cup is full, may it be again

09/18/2005, 09:23 PM	#261
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	What kind of skimmer are you running again? ::edit:: For what it's worth Weatherman has a piece of Xenia in his BB tank that isn't growing much at all. It's healthy and pumps, but the nutrient poor water prevents them from growing much. __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

09/16/2005, 03:26 PM	#251
nellahtes Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: kankakee Posts: 1,025	i just received my starboard today and it wont stay on the bottom of the tank. is there a way to sit on the bottom or just the weight of the LR that does it?

09/18/2005, 01:31 AM	#253
CraigsReef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: WA Posts: 70	Just a quick question but if your running BB do you no longer need dsb or mud in your fuge?

09/18/2005, 06:55 AM	#255
Tennismurph Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Granville,OH Posts: 41	great comprehensive thread for newbies like myself. Lost me right in the beginning with the starboard stuff for the bottom. Whats its purpose? why can't the bottom be just the glass tank bottom?

09/18/2005, 02:42 PM	#257
Tennismurph Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Granville,OH Posts: 41	Mark, Thanks for the reply. Sorry if this is a FAQ But what does it look like and where do I get it? I may have to redo my BB 180. Thanks Murph

09/18/2005, 09:29 PM	#262
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	My MS Paint skills sucks. You get a headache trying to figure that puzzle out. __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

09/19/2005, 05:17 AM	#263
tsquad Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 3,297	I've got a EuroReefCS6-2+. Good point about xenia. Hm. __________________ Tyler Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty If your cup is full, may it be again

09/19/2005, 01:41 PM	#264
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	I would think If you had the ability to get all detritus over the overflow and into your skimmer (decent return pump + enough flow in tank to keep everyting suspended + wet skimming) I would think your skimmer is enough (depending on your fish load) to take care of filtration. Is that skimmer a recirc? I'm far from an expert, but that's what I think. __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

09/19/2005, 01:43 PM	#265
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	Also.. Everyone please disregard my drawing of the sump, it's too confusing. I'll start my own thread. Thanks. __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

09/19/2005, 03:48 PM	#266
tsquad Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 3,297	The skimmer isnt recirculating. My return pump is a Mag18, so I know I will have enough flow. It will be split for each 20L, the SPS one will get lots of flow, the anemone/clown one will get less. Controlled by gate valves, so if I see one tank isn't getting enough, just open the valve a bit more. What should I do with the sump? If the anthelia/xenia farm won't produce, then I just won't have a fuge. Ideas? 150g is pretty big. __________________ Tyler Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty If your cup is full, may it be again

09/20/2005, 08:14 PM	#267
arconom Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Middletown, NY Posts: 2,126	SeanT Astreas snails,Cerith snails, no hermits?

09/20/2005, 09:16 PM	#268
SeanT Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wilmington, North Carolina Posts: 13,860	No hermits. __________________ My tank was cool. Current Tank Info: Barebottom (the tank not me...at least not at the moment).

09/20/2005, 10:17 PM	#269
cecilturtle Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 601	What's the optimal recommended overflow turnover for BB? Assuming there is abundant turnover inside the main tank....

09/20/2005, 11:18 PM	#271
cecilturtle Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 601	Travis, I have a H&S 200 with 2 pumps that pulls most of the overflowed water and a Euro 5-3 that catches some that bypasses the H&S, but there seems to still be plenty in main tank that is not making it to the overflow. Siphoning daily therefore.

09/20/2005, 11:37 PM	#272
Travis 10 and over club Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 5,525	My guess is either your rocks are still cleaning themselves (most likely) or you may not have enough flow to keep the detritus from settling. __________________ TOTM August 08 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Current Tank Info: 280 sps w/ 75 LPS, 75 refugium, 120 sump

09/21/2005, 08:11 AM	#273
arconom Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Middletown, NY Posts: 2,126	SeanT What is the norm per say of Astreas and Ceriths? I have a 75 gallon tank. I will be ordering this week or next week. I'm not sure if the 1 per gallon a rule applies?

09/21/2005, 09:23 AM	#274
Travis 10 and over club Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 5,525	IMO, 1 astrea and 3 ceriths per gallon. Or should I have said IBO (In Bomber's Opinion). Anyways, that is what I went with and have been pleased with the results. __________________ TOTM August 08 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Current Tank Info: 280 sps w/ 75 LPS, 75 refugium, 120 sump

09/21/2005, 09:43 AM	#275
wastememphis Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 1,164	260 snails seems like alot for a 65gallon tank doesn't it?????? Travis: do you have over 1100 snails??? neil. edit: what bout the mini blue legged hermits on www.keyscritters.com?? __________________ Neil Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon Solana, Deltec MCE300, Aqua Illumination Super Sol Blue (LED), Vortech MP10, Tunze ATO, Aqua Controller Jr.