In a pickle, please advise.

markysgirl · Jan 4, 2020

This is my first build and have gotten myself in a little bit of a pickle.
I've got the entire tank, stand, plumbing, electrical, and equipment assembled in my first build.
My problem is this; I just read a post describing a nutrient problem due to a refugium lamp shining on the bottom of the tank and causing a nutrient spoke and subsequent problems.
Do I have to disassemble the entire tank to cover the bottom or are there other alternatives?
Can I put a bare bottom liner under the sand?
Contact paper on the bottom?
Any suggestions would be welcome.

SCReef'n · Jan 4, 2020

Are you planning on going bare bottom? If so you could just paint the bottom black like you did the back. I would be more concerned about the light not allowing my fish and livestock to rest. They should have several hours of darkness. If you will have a sand bed you shouldn't have any problems with the light growing algae. but If your really worried about it paint it black.

markysgirl · Jan 4, 2020

SCReef'n said:
Are you planning on going bare bottom? If so you could just paint the bottom black like you did the back. I would be more concerned about the light not allowing my fish and livestock to rest. They should have several hours of darkness. If you will have a sand bed you shouldn't have any problems with the light growing algae. but If your really worried about it paint it black.

No not planning bare bottom. I've ordered some live sand and plan on a oneish inch sand bed with 80 pounds of Caribsea LifeRock.

Crabs McJones · Jan 4, 2020

Hey this sounds familiar....

vetteguy53081 · Jan 4, 2020

And Crabs does know.
I would not fret about it but yes there is a chance. In lieu of sand, you can use coral rubble which will also help support your ecosystem. For light, go heavier on blue. lighter on the white.

crusso1993 · Jan 4, 2020

SCReef'n said:
but If your really worried about it paint it black.

+1 on paint it black.

Crabs McJones said:
Hey this sounds familiar....

You're a lot of help... sheesh... lol

Crabs McJones · Jan 4, 2020

crusso1993 said:
You're a lot of help... sheesh... lol

Per the norm

;Hilarious

markysgirl · Jan 4, 2020

Crabs McJones said:
Hey this sounds familiar....

Yes!!!
It was your post I saw that made me worried about this!!!

Crabs McJones · Jan 4, 2020

markysgirl said:
Yes!!!
It was your post I saw that made me worried about this!!!

I would paint the bottom now while the tank is empty. Much harder to do when it's full and running...I would know

markysgirl · Jan 4, 2020

crusso1993 said:
+1 on paint it black.

You're a lot of help... sheesh... lol

I was thinking the same thing!!

markysgirl · Jan 4, 2020

Crabs McJones said:
I would paint the bottom now while the tank is empty. Much harder to do when it's full and running...I would know

Ugh.
That's all I have to say about that.

Crabs McJones · Jan 4, 2020

markysgirl said:
Ugh.
That's all I have to say about that.

It wasn't a fun time lol. Good news is I did a half way decent paint job, and now coralline is taking over the bottom so you cant even see it anymore

Bryce M. · Jan 4, 2020

I guess let crab take this one, TBH I wouldn't worry about it with the sand

crusso1993 · Jan 4, 2020

markysgirl said:
I was thinking the same thing!!

If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're showing your age as I don't think I know anyone under 35 that knows this song. With exception to under 35 people who had cool parents that listened to great music!

markysgirl · Jan 4, 2020

crusso1993 said:
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're showing your age as I don't think I know anyone under 35 that knows this song. With exception to under 35 people who had cool parents that listened to great music!

Showing age...although I also had super cool parents who listened to cool music.