Matt's 5000ltr Display

[d3hree]

Matt these are always needed for combat against Cyano

Ha Ha, if only it was that easy Nigel

That picture is amazing! This thread is turning out to be one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks jjk reef00, on this forum that is a huge compliment!

[Moort82]

It's really starting to come together now. Still far too professional though, lol

I seem to remember a rough aquascape plan. Has this changed at all? and i know your going for a dsb but are you having anymore natural filtration in there, i think you ruled out mangroves at one point but what about a cryptic zone etc

Ad

[d3hree]

Hi Ad

I did rule out mangroves but have since ruled them back in!
With auto misters I can create a mangrove forest that shouldnt need maintaining daily, with added netting over the tank to catch fallen leaves.
There will be a 600ltr cryptic zone, 600ltr rdsb and the main dsb in the tank.

The aquascape keeps evolving, only in my head though

[D5HP]

That tile looks great...I know that's laborious work!

[Euler Kernighan]

AWESOME!!!

about mangrove, do you really think that it works? always I think about this and other stuff like phytoplankton reactor and never come to a conclusion.

Hey Matt, are you going to make a breeder or frag tank? If so, about the lighting - t5 or MH?

Keep going!

[d3hree]

Hi Euler

I think that mangroves are capable of nutrient export, maybe not the most efficient but a lot of systems dont use enough IMO.
I will have frag and breeder tanks and will use t5s on them

[Moort82]

I must admit that i'm a big fan of the mangrove. I have tried them on both my tanks as i prefer natural forms of filtration. On one i have about 60 and the tank is just over 200l and on the other 40 and its just under 200l. I wouldn't say i have seen much evidence of nutrient export but for me they are worth it for the environment they create which seemd to be the perfect place for pods. If i look in my refugium i can see copepods and amphipods dotted around but in between the mangrove roots the population booms.

[fuzzy_dunlop]

Wow, this is nuts.

[theorangeacan]

Hi Matt looking fantastic mate you are doing a great job, i did read somewhere that aptasia in your cryptic zone is a fantastic form of nutrient export (if not one of the best).
Also that Xenia is on par with mangroves ( if not a bit better because of rapid growth) for nutrient export as well. Knowing you, you have already looked into this and have an idea of the pros and cons of these other options? are they in your plan or just the mangroves? Although i have to agree with Ad mangroves are a nice natural way of filtration and they do look awesome as well lol.
Also have you maybe thought about oysters i read they filter five gallons and hours 100 of those and thats a lot of filtration per hour. Or maybe as i know you are of the school that many forms of filtration are better than one a mix of all of these ideas? What's your thoughts? Loz

[d3hree]

Aiptasia in the weir is good as they are light loving filter feeders, not sure about cryptic zone Loz I would worry that they would try and find light somewhere that they are not wanted, I expect dusters and sponges mainly.

I looked into oysters some years ago, at the time hobbyists were struggling to keep them alive for any length of time, I havent checked back in on the current thinking.

The thing about nutrient export is that you need the nutrients there to export in the first place. With a large DSB, Cryptic zone, rdsb, algae refugium and mangroves I am going to have to tread carefully to ensure that none of these areas are starved. I expect to add to them as the tank grows and fish are added. Whilst I will be setting up the system to have tanks to cater for these forms of filtration I doubt I will start running the tank with them all fully functional, for example there wont be much point having a 4ft tank with 200 mangroves in, an rdsb and 40ft dsb when I only have 4 fish. One of the most infuriating and yet great things about this hobby is that it is always a work in progress.

[theorangeacan]

This is quite a good read on cryptic zones the link is here. I can see your point with everything you will have in place i do not see that there will be much nutrient left to export lol

I think the idea of progressive actions of filtration as in adding to or switching on as an when is needed is a good approch as you said if you cant feed them properly there is little point in it.

[Moort82]

Aiptasia are pretty good in unlit areas Matt. I spoke to an anemone professor once about a closely related species and she said that in the absence of light they are likely to only divide by budding, so you won't end up with a tank full elsewhere. Although in my little cryptic zone i have stuck to sponges and dusters.

[sfsuphysics]

*twitch*

Don't even consider putting aiptasia anywhere in your system, yes they are absolute beasts at removing particulate matter from the water column, but they have this nasty habit of finding ways around your system. You get one into the main display, game over.

[aquaph8]

Everything is looking great. I knew there was a good reason your drawings are better than everybody elses. I gotta ask, why regular drywall and not green board or another more water resistant material like concrete board? Your tile works looks really professional. Keep up the good work, your thread is always a pleasure to visit.

[d3hree]

I agree sfsuphysics. I would like to prevent any unnecessary diving. My fear, as you say, is that I would end up with them everywhere.

[d3hree]

Originally Posted by aquaph8

Everything is looking great. I knew there was a good reason your drawings are better than everybody elses. I gotta ask, why regular drywall and not green board or another more water resistant material like concrete board? Your tile works looks really professional. Keep up the good work, your thread is always a pleasure to visit.

Thanks Brett

I didnt see the need for the green board, I dont know if we get it over here, I didnt even look tbh. The bricks had a coat of pva and coupled with the tiled walls I hope not to have any moisture issues.

[launchnukes]

Originally Posted by sfsuphysics

*twitch*

don't even consider putting aiptasia anywhere in your system, yes they are absolute beasts at removing particulate matter from the water column, but they have this nasty habit of finding ways around your system. You get one into the main display, game over.

+1

[KROS]

nice update! can see it really coming together. Now you have your drain and conusmer unit sorted its all easy now right?

[d3hree]

Ha..er there are one or two small things to sort out yet Ush

[Euler Kernighan]

more pics? what do you sir are doing?

I'd like to learn something more about mangroves, is there any link (good one)?

[Subby]

So this is where uve been hiding

Good to see the builds still on mat hope you and the family are well.

Look forward to watching this develope.

Dan

[d3hree]

Originally Posted by Euler Kernighan

more pics? what do you sir are doing?

I'd like to learn something more about mangroves, is there any link (good one)?

More pics tonight Euler...put the whip away!!

[d3hree]

Originally Posted by Subby

So this is where uve been hiding

Good to see the builds still on mat hope you and the family are well.

Look forward to watching this develope.

Dan

Hi Dan...not hiding...or not very well at least. A few UK reefers have joined in on here, glad to have you following. Hows the tank?...I heard through the grape vine that an upgrade is on the cards?...at least this time I wont need to draw it!

[ccuk]

hi matt ,
it was mentioned you had moved over here , had to come and see the picture and read though the tread , must admit liking the progress it looks very good so far , when do you estimate it will have salty water in it ?
stew

[zoney]

AAAAaaahhhhhhhhhhh the old rabble back together again i can imagine Matt now

Now come on Matt lets have some new pictures