Choices on setting up my natural nutrient export

Sinekal · 02/01/2015, 02:04 PM

I am working on my final planning to upgrade my display to a 235 gallon tank, with estimated total system volume of around 375 gallons. I am trying to decide between two options for how I will utilize my spaces for natural nutrient export/processing. In all options I plan to use an led from BuildMyLED to grow chaeto.

Option A
There will be a 90 gallon 48x18x24 plumbed in that will be primarily full of rock. I plan to go minimal on the rock in the display, so this tank will be about 2/3 full with rock. I can use the top 1/3 to grow chaeto with a 48" light with 90 degree optics. I dont plan to have added flow in this tank, so the only movement will be limited turn over, maybe 400 gallons an hour.

A 15 gallon 18x11x18 will be used as a dsb. It has two bulkheads right at the top so its a perfect set up for a dsb.

Option B
The 90 gallon becomes an unlit crytpic area, and the extra space will either be added water volume or space for added rock (I dont think I will need anymore rock, as there will be rock in the display, and a ten gallon space in the sump where the drains come in will be full of rubble).

The 15 gallon will be utilized just to grow chaeto. In this set up I can add a powerhead for flow to keep the chaeto tumbling, and I would use an 18" light with 45 degree optics.

Option C
Use the 90 gallon to grow chaeto, and dont have a dsb as it may be completely unnecessary.

All three will certainly work. My thoughts as it stands now is that option A will likely remove more nutrients, but requires me to replace the dsb every few years. Option B gives me dedicated tanks which makes maintenance easier, but doesnt offer the same area for chaeto growth or a dsb. It also uses a bit less electricity. Option C is probably sufficient, but does require the larger led found in option a. The question is really if there is a benefit to the dsb, which is really hard to say, and which method will be more sufficient for growing chaeto, a smaller deeper tank with flow or a larger shallower tank without flow.

As I havent been able to pin this one down, I would love any thoughts people have on the options.

02/01/2015, 02:04 PM	#1
Sinekal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Phoenix Posts: 165	Choices on setting up my natural nutrient export I am working on my final planning to upgrade my display to a 235 gallon tank, with estimated total system volume of around 375 gallons. I am trying to decide between two options for how I will utilize my spaces for natural nutrient export/processing. In all options I plan to use an led from BuildMyLED to grow chaeto. Option A There will be a 90 gallon 48x18x24 plumbed in that will be primarily full of rock. I plan to go minimal on the rock in the display, so this tank will be about 2/3 full with rock. I can use the top 1/3 to grow chaeto with a 48" light with 90 degree optics. I dont plan to have added flow in this tank, so the only movement will be limited turn over, maybe 400 gallons an hour. A 15 gallon 18x11x18 will be used as a dsb. It has two bulkheads right at the top so its a perfect set up for a dsb. Option B The 90 gallon becomes an unlit crytpic area, and the extra space will either be added water volume or space for added rock (I dont think I will need anymore rock, as there will be rock in the display, and a ten gallon space in the sump where the drains come in will be full of rubble). The 15 gallon will be utilized just to grow chaeto. In this set up I can add a powerhead for flow to keep the chaeto tumbling, and I would use an 18" light with 45 degree optics. Option C Use the 90 gallon to grow chaeto, and dont have a dsb as it may be completely unnecessary. All three will certainly work. My thoughts as it stands now is that option A will likely remove more nutrients, but requires me to replace the dsb every few years. Option B gives me dedicated tanks which makes maintenance easier, but doesnt offer the same area for chaeto growth or a dsb. It also uses a bit less electricity. Option C is probably sufficient, but does require the larger led found in option a. The question is really if there is a benefit to the dsb, which is really hard to say, and which method will be more sufficient for growing chaeto, a smaller deeper tank with flow or a larger shallower tank without flow. As I havent been able to pin this one down, I would love any thoughts people have on the options.