new tank idea any good?

[wozza]

Hi eveyone,

got a new idea for a tank.
for the smashed up live rock i will just get normal live rock and hit it with a hammer until its the correct size about 1-2" round.

the tank dimentions will be
LWH
24"x12"x15"

the idea behind this tank is, i wanted a tank without sand but didnt like the idea of it being bare bottom i dont like the look of the reflective glass.
So i had the idea of putting smashed up live rock on the bottom but i thorght it would be a "crap trap" so by adding the undergravel filter plates i get rid of that problem and also solve where to put the closed loop outlet.
another bonus to this is the section under the undergravel filter plates will be a mini refugeum for all the little pods and what not.

what do you think?

cheers james

[leebca]

Not a bad idea, James. These types of systems do fairly well. I don't see how you've gone from 'crap trap' to 'crap removal.' It looks more like the crap will just circulate. A canister filter inline is one possible.

Some clean-up crews will not appreciate the water flow. Pods will like the place under the undergravel filter IF there's enough junk in there for them to eat. Is that where you want to collect detritus?

The arrangement has the obvious disadvantage of leaking to the point of emptying the tank water onto the floor. Since the aquarium is not that large, this may not be a concern unless you have expensive flooring under it.

Breaking up live rock will create additional die off. Make sure it all cures before you use it. But do you really have to do that? I find there is enough rock 'rubble' around that many LFS want to get rid of but can't sell off very well.

[wozza]

Not a bad idea, James. These types of systems do fairly well. I don't see how you've gone from 'crap trap' to 'crap removal.' It looks more like the crap will just circulate. A canister filter inline is one possible.

oh, im gonna have a HOB skimmer, so hopefully the crap wont collect in one place and will be removed by the skimmer if not i could have an additional hole in the bottom to add an canaster filter.

Some clean-up crews will not appreciate the water flow. Pods will like the place under the undergravel filter IF there's enough junk in there for them to eat. Is that where you want to collect detritus?

im hopeing that detritus wont collect anywhere, thats what i was refering to when i said "crap".

when useing this method will nitrates be a problem provideing im reasionably stocked?
i hope to eliminate the UGF problem of becomeing a nitrate factory by useing live rock as the substrate.

The arrangement has the obvious disadvantage of leaking to the point of emptying the tank water onto the floor. Since the aquarium is not that large, this may not be a concern unless you have expensive flooring under it.

hehe lets hope that doesnt happen, saying that last time i spilt a lot of water on the floor my dad was dissapointed i hadnt spilt more and the plaster stayed on the ceiling below, he was looking forward to claiming on the house insurance and getting a new carpet and sofa

Breaking up live rock will create additional die off. Make sure it all cures before you use it. But do you really have to do that? I find there is enough rock 'rubble' around that many LFS want to get rid of but can't sell off very well.

good idea hadnt thorght of that ill ask around!

cheers james

[leebca]

Nitrates shouldn't be a problem so long as the rock is alive. There are different levels in the life on live rock. The usual live rock should do well to control nitrates. The rubble may or may not do well at controlling the nitrates, since there will be a strong water flow past it that has oxygen in it. It may depend upon the porosity and life level of the rubble.

[wozza]

ok thanks for the help lee, i guess the proof will be in the puding, as they say!