Got the tank and electronics mostly set up today. Made a trick vertical slide out panel with all controls mounted on it.But, I cant figure out whats going to happen when I place may large base rock. Does the sump adsorb the extra water ? Used live substrate right off the reef. Clearing very nicely.
I had no idea...........
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John Robbins
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You will need to remove some or all of the water then do your aquascaping and refill.
Typically people put in substrate, stack the rock, fill with water. In that order.
Cheers!
Typically people put in substrate, stack the rock, fill with water. In that order.
Cheers!
Actually, you should but the rocks down, then the sand, and then the water. If you place your base rocks on top of the sand you run the risk that as the sand shifts due to the currents in your system and/or burrowing creatures that you will end up with an unexpected rock slide.
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As already said, put your rock work in first directly on the glass bottom, or egg crate if you prefer and then pour the sand around it. This will help lock the rocks into place and also if critters start digging, which they will, it won’t fall over.
I would fill the sump up with water to a bit higher than you want it when full, and fill the display tank to just under were you want the water line so there is the extra capacity for the sump water.
When you switch on the return pump just add a little more water into the sump as the levels adjust (or remove a little) until it’s were you want it.
I would fill the sump up with water to a bit higher than you want it when full, and fill the display tank to just under were you want the water line so there is the extra capacity for the sump water.
When you switch on the return pump just add a little more water into the sump as the levels adjust (or remove a little) until it’s were you want it.
John Robbins
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Agreed. Thank you for the correction.
I could have been more specific. I typically put a small amount of sand in the tank before the base layer of rocks. I do this mainly as a protective cushion to prevent my clumsy self putting a rock down too hard on the bottom glass while im aquascaping and also because i dont want too much of my base layer of rocks buried in the sand. Although, this does mean I also must make certain that the base layer of rocks is all the way down on the bottom to avoid the scenario you mention. Then, after the base layer of rocks is where I want it, Ill add the rest of the substrate then build up the remaining rockwork from there. So the steps of sand and rocks being put in are really intermixed in my method.
