I have decided to start over, and do it right

[TahoeMtn]

I am going to completely rebuild and put in the wall my 200 gal glass tank
Now that the decision is made, I need to move my fish into a 55. The 55 will become my sump later.
I am going to cook all my rock and replace my shallow sand base.
What equipment is needed for a completely bare 55 with fish only. For probably 6 months
I may have to find someone to babysit some for me.
I have: 2- Pajama Cardinals
1- Purple Tang
1-Blue Tang (Dori)
1-Small Blue Damsel
1- Maroon Clown (to be given away--anyone local want him?)
1- Sunrise Dottyback
I also have a pencil urchin, So I may have to not cook one rock to keep him happy
What do you think of a tuppeware in one corner with sand in it for my tube anenome?

[Sara7814]

whats the purpose of cooking your rock??

[TahoeMtn]

My PO4 was high for a long time and I didn't know it. the rocks are covered with a dark red and brown algae

[Little Luey]

Good for you, check out this couple of threads.

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=66550

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=66551

[Geoff]

when you figure out how to do it right let me know. i have been doing this hobby for over 15 years and still do not think i am doing it right.

TahoeMtn- get the skimmer you want on the 200 and stick it on the 55. that will provide enough filtration for it in the meantime. you will need it with the two tangs. as for the urchin as long as you have coralline growing the urchin will be happy. i would not worry about the urchin much.

Sara7814- great job hopping in on threads and asking questions!!! i wish more new members were so confident. calcium carbonate (which aragonite (sand) and LR is composed) can absorbe phosphates. over time it can reach such high levels that algae will start growing on the LR surface. cooking it is a way to remove the phophates from the LR. it uses bacteria to turgor it out.

G~

[Sara7814]

so you boil it??

[Sara7814]

thanks.. i figure there is no other way to learn except to research and ask questions. i try to read everyones post so i know tons before i pick my stuff up on friday

[TahoeMtn]

sara...not boiling, allowing the rock to cure in a dark enviroment

Geoff...am I to understand flow and skimming and siphoning are the things I need?

[ouccmich]

Good luck. I am going to upgrade my tank next spring (hopefully).

[ChrisPrusha]

Congrats on the decision to get a 200!! Outstanding!!

[Geoff]

yep, lots of flow to keep the detritus in the water column to be removed by the biggest skimmer you could afford. the siphoning is for any annoying spots around the LR that the flow is not able to get to.

G~

[TahoeMtn]

Thanks Geoff. I think I will be building one of your skimmers this weekend. (If I can see, I am having a cataract removed tomorrow)

[Geoff]

one of my skimmers will work fine for the 55, but you will need to go much bigger for the 200. maybe try one of my eductor driven skimmers.

i will eventually get a build thread for it.

G~