marine sediments

Please advice how long can I use my sand before I start to change it.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-02/eb/index.php I saw this today and figured it would be of interest. edit: apparently the link doesn't work directly right now. The article can be accessed on the RC.com main web page.

About how long is the life a a bacteria cell? Is there a difference in the life span of good bacteria vs "bad bacteria"? Is there a way to feed good bacteria and not produce unwanted bacteria?

When i started in this hobby I was dying with all the stuff i was told i HAD TO DO... test everything on a regular basis, fill the water every minute, watch this, add that... it is enough to make a newbie scream and run the other way... between the testing and skimming and trying to keep my...

i finally got my salifert nitrate and phosphate test kits in the mail. but i have a question about the nitrate kit. it says add 1 ML of water for the test. is this correct?? 1 ml barely covers the bottom of the test tube. do they mean 10 ml? my phosphate test is showing darn near zero, so thats...

OK, what is iron bleaching? can it be caused by iron in the water supply? this may be what i have been fighting for the last couple of months. i figured i was just adding some phosphates and nitrates to my water as my water filter has been waiting a replacement. G~

Whats the deal with these. I know DOM=dissolve organic matter but I really don't know what it is comprised of ? Is it in our reef tanks already ? What type is useful to corals? Same with bacterioplankton? I am currently looking into the ways our small polyp stonies feed and what I can do to...

Do you find Reef Central to be (generally) a younger crowd?? It seems the crowd there is mostly 20-somethings who give you quick, thin answers. I've recvd more in-depth answers here from what seems to be an older more experienced crowd. just my opinion....I like it here alot more...didnt...

Well, Since changing my lights from 4 VHO to 2 VHO and 2 Metal halides, using RO/DI water and installing a chiller, I'm growing a huge crop of algae. I have to clean the glass at least twice a day now instead of twice a week. I have little bubbles growing all over the acrylic and live rock...

What is the average depth of a new aquarium sand bed? I will soon be putting together either a 120 or 150g tank, but I need to know how much sand to get. Is 1 inch to little, is 3 inches too much?

Where did this come from?

spsluva and epidemic!!! and here's the Official TRT Chorus® to sing.......... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!

I was recently at a local reefers house for our monthly reef club meeting. His tank was doing well with the exception of a very nice tri-color acro that is bleaching at the base and algae is growing on the now dieing base as well. (Actually, that is the only rock in the tank that has any algae...

Anyone want to take a stab at the nitrogen cycle and denitrificaton? I noticed, among a lot of other things, that the hobby explanation is not accurate at all. (you can't quote hobby references ;) )

If we conclude that a sb is at some point doomed to failure then is it responsible husbandry to keep species whose habitat has the potential to cause that species demise? What as reef keepers can we do to ensure that the evuntual faliure of the sb does not effect those animals for which we have...

We have discussed the flaws with a dsb system. However I have seen little about the flaws inherant in a BB system. What do we feel are the problems associated with this tank system. Lets look at the other side of the current equation. Jim

Would it be safe to say that it would contain the best of both a dsb and bb? Has anyone run both? I have read that some of you clean it often but if you have the proper life in the bed then why bother? I was thinking of getting starboard for my mostly softies tank and after reading many...

This seemed more like an editorial then anything really scientific or factual, but in case anyone hasn't seen it: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/eb/index.htm

I don't think I've ever discussed a particular "product" before. I will discuss methodologies and practices when they don't make sense. In this case, you have a "product" that's also preaching a "methodology". Believe it or not, a few parts of this product are based on true science, it's...

I haven't had a good brain cramp in a while and my curiosity is piqued. :D What are the common bacteria responsible for converting ammonia to nitrites? What are the common bacteria responisble for converting nitrites to nitrates? What are the common bacteria responsible for denitrification...