how deep really?

[darky00]

In order to have a functioning DSB, how deep does it really have to be? Let's say for a 20 gal reef, with corals, a clam, and two fish. ( one maroon clown and one small fish. ie. a goby). The skimmer is a CPR BackPak, and the substrate will be aragonite and live sand. Also, should the aragonite be put down first with the sand on top of it, or mix the two before putting them into the tank?

Thanks

Dan

[tendar]

With only a 20- gall tank it is hard to put a DSP (requiring 4" plus to do it right) in there and still have room for every thing else. Go with 2-3 inches of fine sand and place the live sand on top.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

For several years, Larry Jackson kept his nitrates near zero with 2 inches of fine sand.

[chromis]

DSBs are hard to do in small tanks due to the lack of surface area. Without a large surface area, polychaetes will not be able to breed. This holds true for other things like amphipods, which wont stand a chance in your size tank w/ 2 fish.

I guess you could run a DSB in a 20, with heavy feedings of golden pearls and live phytoplankton, but this would foul your water quickly, causing algae blooms due to the high phosphates in most foods.

I also think your tank is to small for a maroon clown, these are some of the largest clowns and would do better in a larger tank. Perhaps a pair of one of the smaller species would be a good substitute and when choosing a goby, stay away from the sand sifting types if you do decide to use a DSB.

Lastly, clams, in general do not do very well in nano reefs. They need nutrients to survive, especially small ones like you would have, this would require frequent additions of live phytoplankton, which would foul your water. They also would require intense lighting which would heat your water up, causing an increase in fish metabolism, shortening their live span and causing your corals to close up.

There are solutions to all these things and you could do a search, but it would be alot easier to just get a larger tank;)


HTH
Andrew

[darky00]

Chromis,

[darky00]

Chromis,

I have 300 watts of VHO over my tank with no heat problems whatsoever, so a Derasa clam should do very well. I'm not going to debate whether or not my tank is too small for a Maroon clown, my friend has had her's in her 20 for three years+ with no problems. He only leaves his anemone during feeding time, so he doesn't require much swimming room. As far as your suggestion about mini brittle stars - could you tell me the scientific names of some good ones for my tank? My LFS has none in stock, but says he could order some specially for me.

Thanks for the info

Dan

[reefhead]

I'v got a 20g hex with 4" deep fine sand, Ultra Grade Crocea, IPSF kit, I once a week feedings of DT's and Live rotifers. I do water changes every 2 weeks to remove excess chemical elements from additions of ESV. The information chromis gave you about the stability of a small system is true, they require alot more work--I would recommend a big sump if you have the room.

MY tank is doing great and I have had it for years, If you want a deep sand bed in your tank I would suggest you read everthing written on the subject by Dr. Ron Shimek. www.rshimek.com www.reefcentral.com (Dr.shimek has a forum here)

cheers,
Joe



Welcome to Reefland

[darky00]

Reefhead, thanks for the info. I've had a 20 gal running for some time, without any real problems. Recently I've had an outbreak of red slime, which I'm winning the fight against.

Thanks alot

Dan

[organicreefer]

Originally posted by Randy Holmes-Farley
For several years, Larry Jackson kept his nitrates near zero with 2 inches of fine sand.

since randy's suggestion seems to be completely overlooked i want to second it.with only 2 fish ,4 inches of sand is hardly neccessary for denitrification.imo 2 inches of fines sand would do a great job for you.you could always add more if you need to.i would also strongly disagree about polycheates not being able to breed ,or that fish will wipe out youre amphipods,i have kept a six gallon tank ,full of both worms and amphipods.

[chromis]

The 2 places gotten mini brittles are Inland Aquatics and IPSF. Inland is my favorite, as they are cheaper to ship, and they have cheaper prices on livestock.


I dont know if you have ever been diving or seen a nature show but a clown in an anemone is almost completely inactive, where as w/ out an anemone they are quite the active fish. I know my clowns, who are in quarantine right now, miss their 4 foot swimming room, they used to surf the powerheads, in synch w/ the wavemaker from one end to another. Also, an anemone is not a good idea in such a small tank either, in the right conditions anemones will get HUGE. They will also repeatedly sting your clam when fully expanded.

The derasa clam will be the size of your tank in a year or two, maybe you should pass on a clam unless you plan an upgrade in the near future. Mainly because of the nutrient requirement, small clams require frequent feedings of live phytoplankton, which is possible but not optimal.


The prettiest, simplest nano reefs I have seen use frequent water changes, PC lighting, circulation and soft corals with minimal small fish.


HTH
Andrew

[darky00]

Chromis,

I have been thinking alot about the clam, and I've decided not to get one. I am going to get an anemone however. My LFS has one that is about the size of a hockey puck when fully inflated. The tank it is going in has very little live rock in the main display, but lots of LR in the sump. If/when it gets to big, my LFS will let me trade it for a new smaller one and give my store credit for the difference in value. I'm lucky that way.

Thanks for all the info

Dan

[reefhead]

What kind of anemone do you plan on getting?

More than likely, the anemone will present more of a problem than the calm.