Some Newbie Questions for a New Reef Tank

kaylee_gee · 01/14/2014, 03:10 PM

I am making my 20g into a reef tank. I am using sand substrate. It is at 1.024 sg. It is finished cycling. I went and got 2 tiny blue leg hermit crabs and 2 snails. I removed most of the plastic decorations, and now just have a cypress knee, two small cypress branches, some rocks, 1.5 pounds of base rock, and my goby's cave (a plastic alligator skull. want to make him a real cave from stone.) So here are the questions:
1. Does all rock count toward the 1#/gallon ratio, or just base/live rock?
2. Would having felt under the substrate be harmful?
3. Do you *have* to have a sump with marine/reef, or can you use a regular filter?
4. Does having a plastic decor in there negatively affect the tank?

oscarinw · 01/14/2014, 04:39 PM

1. Yes. All rock counts. However, the ratio is only a guideline. Not necessarily the appropriate amount of rock for your system. It could be more or less than what you need. Just something to keep in mind. Not every pound of rock gives the same filtration power.

2. Felt? What kind of felt is this? My fist reaction is with time, it will corrode and break-down into stuff that you don't want in your water. I would say take it out.

3. You don't have to but it's the most effective way of keeping unsightlies away and incorporating an area where you can install appropriate water 'treatment' equipment. It also increases your total system volume making it more stable and being able to harbor more life.

4. Not necessarily but it can if it rots or leaks chemicals into the water column. However, It is mostly a matter of aesthetics. If you like it, keep it. In my opinion, you normally don't find SpongeBob sculptures in the most beautiful reefs.

Tuton · 01/14/2014, 05:41 PM

1) The 1 pound per gallon rule really isn't followed anymore because of a better understanding of water chemistry and better filtration such as skimmers. A moderately stocked tank with good filtration and water changes means you can decorate the tank however you like...
2) Mixing a sandbed really is only an issue for Deep sand beds (deeper than 6") and you can stir your sand regularly to help prevent the buildup of waste and toxins...
3) You don't need a sump but it is a good way to add volume to your tank and hid your equipment...
4) Some materials that are used for freshwater decorations can leach toxins in saltwater, but its hard to find anymore. The main thing is that algae grows much faster in saltwater and the decorations will be hard to see....

Mandrew · 01/14/2014, 05:54 PM

1. Personally If I were you I would order a box of dry rock from reefcleaners.org the 15lb box is $38 and its really nice rock. It would put you close to what you need.
2. My first instinct with the felt would be to remove it. It's not natural lol.
3. I am currently building a sump for my 60g tank. I have ran my tank for almost a year without a sump and I have never lost a fish or coral. Just a few snails/crabs. The sump is very convenient for hiding filtration and heaters but is not nessisary. But if you run a hang on back filter, you must clean the filter cartridge like twice a week or things trapped in it will break down into nitrates.
4. As far as plastic decor, I have no idea if it has a bad effect on the water but it doesn't look as good as some real rocks and maybe some corals or macro algae!

Here are pics of a 10g I'm setting up with that rock from reef cleaners!

01/14/2014, 03:10 PM	#1
kaylee_gee Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Southern Louisiana Posts: 6	Some Newbie Questions for a New Reef Tank I am making my 20g into a reef tank. I am using sand substrate. It is at 1.024 sg. It is finished cycling. I went and got 2 tiny blue leg hermit crabs and 2 snails. I removed most of the plastic decorations, and now just have a cypress knee, two small cypress branches, some rocks, 1.5 pounds of base rock, and my goby's cave (a plastic alligator skull. want to make him a real cave from stone.) So here are the questions: 1. Does all rock count toward the 1#/gallon ratio, or just base/live rock? 2. Would having felt under the substrate be harmful? 3. Do you have to have a sump with marine/reef, or can you use a regular filter? 4. Does having a plastic decor in there negatively affect the tank?

01/14/2014, 05:41 PM	#3
Tuton Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 348	1) The 1 pound per gallon rule really isn't followed anymore because of a better understanding of water chemistry and better filtration such as skimmers. A moderately stocked tank with good filtration and water changes means you can decorate the tank however you like... 2) Mixing a sandbed really is only an issue for Deep sand beds (deeper than 6") and you can stir your sand regularly to help prevent the buildup of waste and toxins... 3) You don't need a sump but it is a good way to add volume to your tank and hid your equipment... 4) Some materials that are used for freshwater decorations can leach toxins in saltwater, but its hard to find anymore. The main thing is that algae grows much faster in saltwater and the decorations will be hard to see.... __________________ "In this hobby nothing good happens fast" Tank Info: 55 Gallon Mixed Reef, 20 gallon sump

01/14/2014, 04:39 PM	#2
oscarinw Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Western Massachusetts Posts: 1,091	1. Yes. All rock counts. However, the ratio is only a guideline. Not necessarily the appropriate amount of rock for your system. It could be more or less than what you need. Just something to keep in mind. Not every pound of rock gives the same filtration power. 2. Felt? What kind of felt is this? My fist reaction is with time, it will corrode and break-down into stuff that you don't want in your water. I would say take it out. 3. You don't have to but it's the most effective way of keeping unsightlies away and incorporating an area where you can install appropriate water 'treatment' equipment. It also increases your total system volume making it more stable and being able to harbor more life. 4. Not necessarily but it can if it rots or leaks chemicals into the water column. However, It is mostly a matter of aesthetics. If you like it, keep it. In my opinion, you normally don't find SpongeBob sculptures in the most beautiful reefs.