Phil's Reef.

[P.A.D]

Sadly my tank took abit of a nose dive recently. For the second time I lost virtually all my sps corals, but also alot of gorgonians and softies as well.

I couldn't really fathom out why as the water params seemed ok. I even began to wonder whether something was poisoning the tank. Anyway to cut a long story short I decided to have a change. So I ordered a new tank. As I am abit pushed for space and I wanted to keep the pine hood from the original tank, I decided to go for the same length and width, but go taller. So the new tank is 40x16x24 with 10mm glass.

Here it is once I had painted the back with B&Q Bermuda Blue emulsion.

Thankfully they made it to the exact spec so the hood and surround fitted perfectly.

Rather than chuck the old tank out I decided to use it as a sump. The wall that the display tank backs onto is a plaster board one with the understairs cupboard behind. So it was no trouble at all to drill through this wall to thread the pipes through. The sump now sits under the stairs out of sight.

As its almost as big as the display tank I thought I would have a huge DSB with macro algae. Obviously the skimmer and heater can go in there. Some of you will know that I like to use NSW in my tank, so I thought why not use sand from the beach. So thats what I've done.

It was quite murky at first so I reconnected the external filter to it to clear the water which it has done. I was amazed at how much life was in the sand. There are loads of little amphipods swimming about.

[P.A.D]

Anyway the mammoth task of filling the tank began. So it was off to the beach with my jerry cans.

Four trips later and loads of curious looks from tourists the tank was filled. I also decided that the lighting should be upgraded so I bought a CoralVue Sunlight Replicator pendant with a 250W MarineLux 14000K bulb.

So this is how far I have got. Hopefully once its cleared completely and warmed up properly I can start to put the live rock back in.

[TerraC]

that's a great idea on the sand m8, if you're using NSW why not go the whole hog. :)

keep us updated, looks like the start of a cracking system.

[Tetley]

Hi,

Nice idea re. sump :)

It will be nice to see this one develop, it will be nice to see if the pods in the sand take kindly to elevated temp.

Keep us informed.

ATB

[MR Teee]

Looking good Phil, watch the level of the sump though, there doesn't appear to be much capacity for back syphoning in the event of a power cut.

What are you planning on stocking?

[moorish]

its looking well phil.like the light fitting looks the part.derek

[Tangman]

Hi It all looks the part and by using NSW it will save a few quid, but my thoughts are what disease parasites are you bringinng into the tank by using sand from a local beach. The water part would be ok if its run through a UV and ozone before being added but theres not much you can do with the sand. I am not trying to put a damper on this just trying to point out some pit falls that can crop up , i hope every thing works out for you and please dont take my comments the wrong way as my only concern is for you losing any stock etc. Keep us all posted you never know we all might be coming over to Hornsea for NSW and sand. Eric:D

[stevieh]

good luck Phil interesting post

[trik]

Looking forward to this 1, :)

Richard

[P.A.D]

Many thanks for your comments Guys. I have a good feeling about this tank so I'm hoping its going to be a success.

I do not get offended easily and besides constructive criticism is good if it helps to prevent a mistake being made. Regards the sump water level, it was only that high due to displacement when putting the sand in. It has since been lowered to a more acceptable level, but thanks for pointing it out.

On the subject of using natural seawater and the sand. It has been argued on many an occasion that it would introduce pests and disease. I have been using NSW for over a year now and not once have any of the fish had whitespot or any other illness for that matter. I just filter the water and bring it up to temperature in a seperate tank before using it. I don't even run it through a UV. IMO we stand just as much risk from disease when introducing fresh live rock to our tanks. Afterall it comes straight from the ocean so who knows what it could be harbouring.

I understand that there may be a certain amount of die off when using the sand, especially given the increase in temperature. With the higher live forms it is to be expected but I would think that the bacteria would be able to cope. I certainly hope so, but only time will tell.

Phil:)