Taking the plunge, going BB

[RWD]

Not quite a Spanky Tanky, I'm not going to use a Starboard bottom. The tank is acrylic so I'm not worried about cracking the bottom from dropping something on it. I got the day off from work to do this. I made about 200 gal. of new ro/di IO saltwater sitting in various tubs the garage. I also have some empty tubs to hold the rock, corals and fish. I plan on reusing some of the old water.

The plan is to shut down the tank and siphon off the water. Start pulling corals and rock and put them in the tubs with the old water and powerheads for circulation. Catch fish when possible Drain the sumps.

Next I plan on scooping out the DSB. It'll probably end up in the garden. After that I will clean the tank and remove all the coraline algae that has built up over the past 3 1/2 years. I have a kit to remove the scratches in the tank walls. When done I'll check all the fittings, pumps, etc and refill the tank.

The reason I'm going back to BB is because of chronic hair algae problems and the scratching of the tank. I know the algae problems could have been avoided with a better selection of fish and setting the tank up differently. I have three tangs and a few other large fish that eat a lot. Lots of food = lots of poop When I set up my tank I didn't elevate the rocks off the DSB so detritus has built up at the base of the rocks. Hopefully the scratching problem will be lessened with a BB. I'm sort of a perfectionist and the scratches are driving me crazy
I plan on taking pictures of the steps along the way. Any ideas of shots you would like to see?

[Doug1]

Bob, sounds like you got a full day ahead, as to what pics, a basic sequence seeries would be helpful for the new reefers, and esp any unusual aspects you run across

[wanareef]

Before putting the LR back in, swoosh them around in water to get them clean,

Boy your tangs are dumb, mine eats his/her own poop. Self policing, maybe

[specialk]

I used a Shop Vac to suck the sand out, and I used it to suck the excess water after rinsing it out with a hose. This will help eliminate the scratching that was one of my main reasons for going BB.

Whooo Hooo I am excited and cant wait to see the pic's.....

Kaye

[Spanky]

Pictures, lots and lots of pictures!

[mapster]

Good luck RWD.

[Junkzoo]

Good luck on your upcoming work Bob,,,shucks, you shoulda gave my enuf notice, i coulda come up and helped ya. oh well , will be waiting on the project pics,,,

[RWD]

I started a few hours ago. First I pulled both skimmers, a Turbofloater and a D.A.S. and cleaned them out. I put the parts out in the yard yo dry in the sun. Hope I remember how they go together Next up I'm going to drain the tank. Back in a while.

[ruhspolostar]

I got the concept of BB & how the coraline grows on the ground or bottom

but I finally worked up enough courage to ask: what the heck is starboard bottom

???

maybe I missed when that was explained, sorry

-adam

[SPC]

I am sure you probably planned to do this, Bob, but don't forget a picture of the sand while you are removing it.
Steve

[biodegraded]

Starboard is a product name for a high density polyethylene material frequently used in kitchen cutting boards.

[ruhspolostar]

so you put this stuff on the bottom, before the LR & other stuff?

[NeilsReef]

I am sure you will be qite happy when you are finished?

[RWD]

Hi guys,
Well I popped in here for a few min while I'm eating a sandwich. I got all of the rock, corals and DSB out. Man, what a job. By back is killing me from moving all this stuff. Here's a tip; never fill a IO bucket up to the top with wet sand So far I've gotten a few bristle worm stings and my sailfin cut my thumg while getting him out of the net. Here's Mr. Bristle:

[RWD]

Suprisingly the DSB was very clean under the first 2" of sand. The top layer was filthy as you can see
Back to work.