New to the hobby

[BeltwayBandit]

Another option for keeping nitrates in check is tridacnid clams (they do require calcium suplemenatation). Granted you need a MH lighting setup but in a tank your size a clam would be a wonderful additon. But, you need to have the tank established for at least 6 months or more before you can add one.

 

I would stay away from cannister filters or HOB filters because they realy aren't necessary with good skimming and proper biological filtration. They end up being nitrate factories in a SW aquarium. If you manage your bio load (i.e. don't overload the system), you can manage water quality with water changes and the bio filtration from LR, sandbed and a skimmer. If you don't want a sandbed you can go bare bottom with more frequent water changes and have a successful tank.

 

Just my opinons on your setup.

 

BB

[dhoch]

Granted you need a MH lighting setup

 

Man I feel like the T5 police, but that statement is wrong....

 

I get more PAR on T5 setup than many MH setups... I have no problems keeping clams... In fact in my 180 I have a crocea (electric blue) growing very well near the bottom of my tank....

 

Dave

[rrubberbandman]

Another option for keeping nitrates in check is tridacnid clams (they do require calcium suplemenatation). Granted you need a MH lighting setup but in a tank your size a clam would be a wonderful additon. But, you need to have the tank established for at least 6 months or more before you can add one.

 

I would stay away from cannister filters or HOB filters because they realy aren't necessary with good skimming and proper biological filtration. They end up being nitrate factories in a SW aquarium. If you manage your bio load (i.e. don't overload the system), you can manage water quality with water changes and the bio filtration from LR, sandbed and a skimmer. If you don't want a sandbed you can go bare bottom with more frequent water changes and have a successful tank.

 

Just my opinons on your setup.

 

BB

BB,

for those of us who dont have sumps,hob filters serve us to remove particulate matter and also serve as a place to install a carbon bag like chemi-pure or the like.

mine are there for the above mentioned purposes...i cant remember if hokie has a sump or not???

Bryan