Setting up a macro tank today

New2Reefing · 04/30/2006, 03:37 PM

I've got a 20 L that i'm not using, so i'm gonna take half my macro (chaeto) out of my sump and try to cultivate it....other than sandy bottom, small heater, powerhead, and a good light, what would be other good additions to the tank? Should i add some Live Rock to add filtration and eliminate the need for a filter? Suggestions wanted....

shoddyk · 04/30/2006, 03:49 PM

Plumb the 20l into your main tank. I will be alot easier to maintain.

New2Reefing · 04/30/2006, 04:42 PM

unfortunately i have no more room near the tank for a 20, the sump cramps the stand as it is....this would also require more plumbing, which i'm more than tired of lol

Its just gonna sit in the kitchen and people will ask "what's in there" and i'll say algae

Samala · 04/30/2006, 11:28 PM

You dont need the LR at all, the macro itself will behave as a natural filter. If you cannot hook this tank up to the larger system you should consider at least using old water from the main system as your replacement water for water changes on the macro tank. Why? The plants need nutrients to grow and thrive, and without any animals in the macro system the plants will run out of nutrients eventually. Your reef, however, is quietly producing nutrients round the clock. So, nutrient laden tank water from the main system fuels the macro algae in your dedicated tank.

>Sarah

Rhinecanthus · 05/01/2006, 01:03 AM

Are you doing this to cultivate pods or grow more cheato to sell? I dont see the purpose otherwise!

New2Reefing · 05/01/2006, 01:07 AM

By replacement water you don't mean topoff do you?

So i'd be doing a water change with the used water? seems odd lol

kau_cinta_ku · 05/01/2006, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by New2Reefing
By replacement water you don't mean topoff do you?

So i'd be doing a water change with the used water? seems odd lol

replacement water from evaporation should still be rodi water but when doing a water change use the water from your main tank so that the macro has the nutrients to feed on. but i agree what is the purpose of this tank if it won't be connected to the main tank?

New2Reefing · 05/01/2006, 12:19 PM

yeah it's to breed pods and chaeto, and it'll be in a room where i can leave the light on all day...

04/30/2006, 03:37 PM	#1
New2Reefing Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 323	Setting up a macro tank today I've got a 20 L that i'm not using, so i'm gonna take half my macro (chaeto) out of my sump and try to cultivate it....other than sandy bottom, small heater, powerhead, and a good light, what would be other good additions to the tank? Should i add some Live Rock to add filtration and eliminate the need for a filter? Suggestions wanted....

04/30/2006, 11:28 PM	#4
Samala Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,930	You dont need the LR at all, the macro itself will behave as a natural filter. If you cannot hook this tank up to the larger system you should consider at least using old water from the main system as your replacement water for water changes on the macro tank. Why? The plants need nutrients to grow and thrive, and without any animals in the macro system the plants will run out of nutrients eventually. Your reef, however, is quietly producing nutrients round the clock. So, nutrient laden tank water from the main system fuels the macro algae in your dedicated tank. >Sarah __________________ "Seaweed is cool, seaweed is fun, it makes its food from the rays of the sun!"

04/30/2006, 03:49 PM	#2
shoddyk Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Yuma, Az Posts: 568	Plumb the 20l into your main tank. I will be alot easier to maintain.

04/30/2006, 04:42 PM	#3
New2Reefing Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 323	unfortunately i have no more room near the tank for a 20, the sump cramps the stand as it is....this would also require more plumbing, which i'm more than tired of lol Its just gonna sit in the kitchen and people will ask "what's in there" and i'll say algae

05/01/2006, 01:03 AM	#5
Rhinecanthus Moved On Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 647	Are you doing this to cultivate pods or grow more cheato to sell? I dont see the purpose otherwise!

05/01/2006, 01:07 AM	#6
New2Reefing Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 323	By replacement water you don't mean topoff do you? So i'd be doing a water change with the used water? seems odd lol

05/01/2006, 12:19 PM	#8
New2Reefing Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 323	yeah it's to breed pods and chaeto, and it'll be in a room where i can leave the light on all day...