Mini-reefs, "planted" Tanks, And Ecosystems

[Lynden]

A while back, one member posted a topic about planted marine tanks. I posted to it once, claiming that the idea of it wasnt a very good one. Though I never read it again, I decided, just for no real reason to check on it today. I found that my post was met with a tsunami of opposition! Goddamnit! As soon as I learn about new fad around the fishbowl, a new one pops up! God damn the information age!

I seemed to me that in a mini-reef with no fish, that the bristleworms and whatever would overrun the tank. Just like in the wild, an ecosystem without the main predators just, well, isnt an ecosystem. But after viewing that lovely Japanese tank, that in did, in fact, have fish and other predators, my mind quickly canged. I had actually thought about a tank like this in the past, but ruled it out because of its appearance of unfeasability.

However, I now think about having something like that. Come to think of it, my setup would be excellent for an algae-filled marine tank. My relatively weak PC lights rule out many light-loving inverts, but would work well for algae such as the Money Plant. Also, my preferance to common tap water would provide plenty of nutrients to the macros, and the fact that I have a clean slate to work on helps my idea out. What does everyone else think?

-Lynden

 

[petpirate]

A while back, one member posted a topic about planted marine tanks. I posted to it once, claiming that the idea of it wasnt a very good one. Though I never read it again, I decided, just for no real reason to check on it today. I found that my post was met with a tsunami of opposition! Goddamnit! As soon as I learn about new fad around the fishbowl, a new one pops up! God damn the information age!

I seemed to me that in a mini-reef with no fish, that the bristleworms and whatever would overrun the tank. Just like in the wild, an ecosystem without the main predators just, well, isnt an ecosystem. But after viewing that lovely Japanese tank, that in did, in fact, have fish and other predators, my mind quickly canged. I had actually thought about a tank like this in the past, but ruled it out because of its appearance of unfeasability.

However, I now think about having something like that. Come to think of it, my setup would be excellent for an algae-filled marine tank. My relatively weak PC lights rule out many light-loving inverts, but would work well for algae such as the Money Plant. Also, my preferance to common tap water would provide plenty of nutrients to the macros, and the fact that I have a clean slate to work on helps my idea out. What does everyone else think?

-Lynden

I think it is a wonderful idea. In fact, even putting a single fish in a large tank is already increasing the bio-load way beyond what is natural for an eco-system in the wold.

My tank can't compare with that Japanese tank... the choice of macroalggae and sea plants is very limited here. But, with pufferfish, I didn't want to chance corals. Also, I wanted the tank to act as a sort of macro-algae refugium to a nano-reef connected into the same system.

The macro loved the halide lighting and quickly grew out of control... not a planned "garden" at all. But very colourful....

 

[Mr Miagi]

Is this the thread you were refurring too? LOL

I think its a fine idea. One which I would love to do in the future. Your lights would work, although some algae again are limited by light. Dont stress though, because they can adapt. I found algae going from high lighting to low lights dont do well. Try and get your Macro from a source of the same light if possible.

You need to keep up with trimming if you have species like Caulepa. Some species of Caulerpa, namely C. taxifolia have been prohibited in some states/territories. Might pay to check with your local council. But otherwise, they look great IMO.

RC has a specific forum for marine plants. I go there everynow and again to dream and gain info. Go there and read through some threads. They have some really experienced members (experienced in keeping macro), so there are more techniques, info, and personal first hand info there.

Remoce all your hermits. Mine are omnivores with a preference for macro! If I could, id ditch them. I dont think they serve a huge purpose in marine reefs, but thats me. Also, some crabs can munch algae, so watch out for any hitchikers.

Goodluck. I dont think I could offer much more info as I havnt done anything similar myself. Make sure, if you go ahead with the macro tank, to keep a journal here!

EDIT: LOVELY! Petpirate! Thats awsome! Thats the kinda tank I want, but with aquascaping styles like Amano.

 

[Lynden]

Is this the thread you were referring to?

Ahh, shutup!

But anyways, all of my crabs are dead. In fact, everything is dead. It was a complete, veritable nuking of the tank. The only signs of life are a few peanut worms, and a small patch of coralines. Notice how I said that I have a clean slate to work with.

I live in the Great North, way up at the top of the world... in British Columbia! (Its not even in the Arctic circle-not even close. But sometimes it feels that way ) Agal infection is a non-possibility up here. But what is so bad about C. taxifolia? Is that the one in the Mediterranean?

And what about that Money Plant? I have kept it before, back with my crap T-12 lights. It lost its leaves reproducing, but the resulting vines grew amazingly well.

Thanks for the support,
-Lynden

 

[Lynden]

I have decided to do a complete water change instead of waiting weeks for my incompetent bacteria to remove the ammonia. My tank needs a fresh start anyways.

So, when I do this, will the tank be cycled again? Or can ammonia kill bacteria or somehow stick to rocks?

-Lynden

 

[petpirate]

EDIT: LOVELY! Petpirate! Thats awsome! Thats the kinda tank I want, but with aquascaping styles like Amano.

Thanks! There's actually four kinds of macro -- but it all just grew out naturally, which is why it is such a jumbled mess. I'd love to be able to move the live rock somewhere and concentrate more an the aesthetics.... but I haven't really got an aesthetic bone in my body when it comes to aquascaping! The fish like swimming through it though.

 

[Lynden]

I did the water change, and I kept the live rock alive (or at least tried to) by placing it in a 50 gallon tub and spraying it from time to time with old tank water, after washing it in old tank water.

Anyways, the results of this are breathtaking My ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate have been completely wiped away A phosphate test revealed levels to be undetectable, and iron is also zip.

I hucked a molly in there to see how good the viability in the tank was, and she did very well. I think that today I might add a firefish to the tank.

-Lynden