Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_Reef_Keeper
Then someone neds to explain the basic parameters of a BB tank.
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rob i think its too hard to set basic parmeters other than good skimmer , high flow , and no substrate on the aquarium floor . after that then the whole thing opens up !
1. lighting - dependant on what you goal is to keep .
a. sps only - high quality light output ,
b. softies/lps - good quality light output .
c. mixed - gets trickier , harder to keep all corals happy , alittle more
research required to pick out corals with greater adaptabilities.
d.length and amount of lighting will need to be adjusted according to
how tank inhabitants are responding . normally in b.b. situations you
can use less lighting or reduced lighting period .
2. flow - dependant on what your goal is to keep .
a. sps only - requires the greatest flow requirements .
b. softies/ lps - less flow than sps requirements , but one still needs
enough flow to keep detritus moving . one still may be able to
maintain soft/ lps in a high flow situation with careful placement .
3. skimming - dependant on what you want to keep
a. skimming wet reduces nutrient build-up quickest .most sps tanks
are run skimming wet .
wet skimming is also helpful to those that
feed "heavier" amounts of food .
b. dry skimming is most benaficial to soft and lps corals that come
from nutrient rich areas. also skimming dry helps keep the water
more nutrient rich for those that have a light bioload , or limit
feeding
The thing is that even what i listed will not be the same from tank to tank , so one needs to be willing to make adjustments and play the wait and see game while things react to these new changes . somethings may not care what you do , as they just may not thrive in your tank conditions . we've all lost corals even though we have every bell and whistle on our tanks and have nothing but good intentions .
Also b.b. tanks are no more immune to the same afflictions that give
dsb tank owners fits . you can still end up with algae battles , pest infestations , and chemical battles . what may make the differance in b.b. systems is the adjustability of this method in fighting these problems. it is not the end all cure all solution !
so to end this post , i would say - for me the b.b. method can be summed up in two words- ADJUSTABILITY & FLEXABILITY !
i'm done .....
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