Back after a few years.

[Nick S]

Hey guys and gals. I had a reef tank set up for a few years and then had to tear it down. But I'm trying to get back in the hobby....slowly but surely. Cleaning it out now. I got me some Dessert Play Sand at Home Depot, seeing that Southdown is not as easy to come by anymore. It looks courser than Southdown but it passes the vinegar test (it's calcium based). Well I'll be popping in and probably asking lots of questions. Any major changes in the last few years? I'm thinking 225 show tank, 90 gallon sump, 75 gallon refurgium. Deep sand bed (6") in the sump and fuge. 3" sand bed in the show tank. Caulerpa algae and live rock rubble in both sumps. ETSS 800 protein skimmer or equivalent, calcium reactor down the line. live rock obviously. RO/DI water supply. Probably stick with the T5 lighting on icecap ballasts for now. What's happening in the LED department for 6" long tanks? Any pointers on the nuances in the hobby are always appreciated. Thanks!

[robs.mark]

Welcome! Many changes over the past few years. LEDs are a good way of lighting a reef, there are many different brands that are available, multiple lights would cover a 6ft tank. Why are you putting a 3" sanded in the display as well as a RDSB? If it where me I would try to get some quality live sand. I suppose the main changes are in water movement, google vortech pumps..

Mark.