Hello, my name is Sean. Last name begins with a "T", hence SeanT.
I am a clever boy.
I have been keeping reef tanks now for just about 5 years.
And it has been a haarrd 5 years.
I have managed to nuke my tanks in every which way possible, and I have learned a LOT from it.
Some of the time I won't be able to tell you what to do, but I sure will be able to tell you some things NOT to do.
Over the last few years I have migrated my philosophies on reefkeeping.
For the first several years I was all about the natural reefkeeping way.
I was a HUGE advocate of DSB's (in fact years ago I argued against Jerel about BB systems - I have since learned the error of my statements through application...the best way), large maccro algae filled refugiums and as little equipment as possible.
Now...not so much.
I highly doubt you will ever see me "slam" DSB's, or those that proponent and/or implement them, as a matter of course. I may debate their merits, but openly trashing them for no reason is not my style.
In fact, I feel that in some circumstances they may be the way to go.
But in my circumstances, here and now, I do not feel that way.
For the type of corals I keep, SPS-LPS-Ricordia-Zo's, they don't seem to care in the least about substrate. They in fact, thrive to new heights.
I have Ricordia spreading across my barebottom (I need to see a Dermatologist about that and get a cream I think).
I also believe that equipment, the right equipment (though not completely necessary to keep corals alive) is instrumental in helping our tanks thrive and take some of the heartache out of the hobby and put it in the wallet.
In this forum I would love to discuss all sections of running Barebottom tanks with you, and for you to discuss them by yourselves of course.
To me, the bullet points of running BB systems are just about the same as systems with substrates:
1. Substrate removal how to's.
2. What to put on the bottom.
3. Live rock.
4. Rock "cooking".
5. Arranging rock and rock racks.
6. Flow, in general and under the rockwork.
7. Skimming.
8. Lighting.
9. UV and Ozone.
10. Calcium and Alkalinity schemes.
11. Clean up crew.
12. Maintenace - what to do, how to do, new and innovative ideas.
13. And more...
Running a BB tank is almost identical to a non-BB tank, but instead of expecting the system to process everything, we limit its ability
(by having no sink) and pitch in through manual removal of detritus.
I welcome everyone to participate, BB and "cooking" advocates and opponents.
Through the free flow of ideas we can all learn.
Thanks for reading and everybody
play nice,
Sean
