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Setting up
Some gear supplied with the tank proved very useful. The T8 lighting consisted of two full-spectrum lamps
with reflectors, ample for showing off the fish and other colours. To supplement this, and to give a great crisp
white effect, I added two TMC AquaRay 500 Marine White LED strips.
Combined with plenty of surface movement, the glitter lines are very attractive and natural looking. The
lighting intensity also stimulates fast macro-algae growth and therefore good nutrient export.
The LED strips were fitted to the tanks hood flaps by drilling two holes and attaching small nuts and bolts
using the light units mounting brackets. Because the LED units willl run relatively cool there is no danger of
overheating.
The supplied internal filter and heater were removed in favour of a large external filter and inline heater. The
filter provides good circulation levels at 1,200 lph and only sponge media act as mechanical filtration.
The filter outlet is pointed slightly upwards to provide good levels of surface agitation, helping to maintain
good oxygen exchange and driving off CO2. Because the macro-algae photosynthesises it produces oxygen
during the photoperiod, but uses oxygen and produces CO2 at night.
It is therefore important to minimise CO2 and maintain high O2 levels to prevent pH swings that can harm fish
and potentially allow the algae to go 'sexual' and crash.
Further circulation and flow were added using a 1,000 lph powerhead and later another 1,000 lph powerhead
was fitted. The two powerheads were then fitted to a simple plug-in wavemaker to enhance circulation
throughout the water column.
After much research I decided not to use a protein skimmer and felt that my large quantity of live rock, rampant
macro-algae growth and good levels of circulation would be enough to maintain good water quality. I
understand that not using a skimmer has the advantage of encouraging populations of various live foods.
Marvels of rock
I have read many times that one of the most important investments for a marine tank is live rock. I bought the
best I could afford and have not been disappointed. The stuff is remarkable! I am used to rocks in freshwater
tanks, but these are worlds apart.
The rock was already covered in deep purple coralline algae and various critters were spotted within hours of
installation. I can spend many an evening staring at the rock, nose pressed to the glass, watching the tiny
creatures go about their business. Small sponges, polyps and different macro-algae species seemingly appear
from nowhere!
Crafting with rock
I decided to use two main piles of rocks: a large one placed on the right to help hide the equipment and a
smaller mound on the left.
The whole design is a triangular composition with a pathway running between the mounds to help create a
sense of depth.
Due to the position of the tank in my living room it can also be viewed from the left, adding a further dimension
to the aquascaping as the bigger rocks are in the background.
Size: 5cm/2"
Breeding: Females carry eggs externally and release live young, though difficult to rear.
Notes: Cleaner shrimp are popular crowd pleasers due to their colouration and antics.
Cost: 15-20 depending on size.
How to set up your planted marine tank
4. Installing equipment
I am using an external inline heater and 1,200 lph external filter with biological media removed to prevent
nitrate build-up. Two sponges, acting as mechanical filters, are cleaned every week.
A phosphate remover helps prevent early algae problems and a 1,000 lph powerhead helps further circulate the
water.
6. Introducing pre-mix
Pre-mixed RO water and synthetic reef salt is added to the tank. I initially purchased some ready-mixed water,
but also bought reef salt and an RO unit for future water changes.
The specific gravity is 1.025 at 25C/77F, tested using a refractometer, more expensive but more accurate than
a hydrometer.
8. Adding macro-algae
Several species of macro-algae and some Chaetomorpha are added. A couple of my species 'crashed' and were
removed.
Fish are not added for five weeks. Although the live rock is cured, theres a risk of ammonia spikes. Eventually
four juvenile Banggai cardinals and a Cleaner shrimp are added.
This item first appeared in the January 2010 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be
reproduced without written permission.