AquaScaping..

[Budnik]

Well.. almost 2 weeks back, I placed my new LR/LS in the tank to begin cycling. This past weekend, I couldn't resist and had to AquaScape the tank. Since the pictures were taken below, I've moved a few pieces around but the overall look is the same.

Additionally, I have a question regarding lighting. I have 4x96W PC's that are mounted in my hood. Should I cover the tank with the glass cover? I know this will hold heat in but I'm concerned about a splash hitting the PC's and having them shatter in the tank. Is this possible? I've heard this can only happen with Mh as they become extremely hot... what do most of you with canopies do?

Not sure "what" would cause that big of a splash, but you never know...

!!! NOT 56k Friendly !!!

Front 1

Front 2

Front 3

Right Side

Left Side

[funstarfish]

well, i wouldn't be too concerned about splashing your PCs. ive been running a tank for about 3 years with Pcs and never had a builb shatter. just my experience though

[manderson0805]

Bud, I wouldn't worry about water hitting your bulbs. Why is the water level so low in the tank?

[Budnik]

I'm somewhat comforted that the two of you have not had any problems with bulbs breaking due to splash. Anyone else have comments?

manderson0805 - The water level is raised up to the top now.. I had siphoned some out when trying to get the SG correct.


Additional Q - I have a sand crab that I acquired in 30lbs of Fiji sand I placed in my tank. I'm wondering if I should take this guy out before building out my reef, will he damage it in any way? I don't see him ever unless I'm moving rock around.. then he burrows back into the sand.

[yardboy]

I've never had a bulb break for any reason. I've heard of folks who claim not to like PC because of bulb breakage but I'm the world's clumsiest and have never broken one. Once a month I clean the salt accumulation from splashing onto my bulbs (PC& MH) and I've never broken a MH bulb either.
Now how soon will it bee before I have to replace all the bulbs in my fixture due to bad karma from bragging about no broken bulbs!

[Budnik]

Anyone else have any comments on the lighting?

I'm also still looking for an answer regarding the sand crab.



Thanks!

[Geoff]

my wife cracked a 175w MH bulb when topping off the tank once. just poured it in to haphazardly. it does happen.

never done it with anykind of flourescent though.

G~

[yardboy]

Got to be very careful with crabs. Many eat fish. Hermits are generally okay, but even arrowheads and emeralds can cause trouble. Anything else is very questionable, and some are definitely deleterious.

[Budnik]

Geoff / Yardboy - Thanks for the feedback.
I would feel more comfortable getting a few more opinions regarding the sand crab that is buried in my sand somewhere. I've never seen him out in the tank, but have managed to stir him up once or twice while aquascaping.

No inverts, fish, corals or food in the tank yet, so who's to say that he won't come out then..

[icebear]

i broke a bulb by dropping it on the floor....but thats it... i have overdriven NOs and they get kinda hot