Those that have switched to Bare Bottom

Pro_builder · 03-04-2004, 05:19 PM

For those of us that have switched to Bare bottom tanks, from a DSB or other form. Could you please give an update to what you like or dis-like about the system now?

I have recently went to BB tank. I have had to up my flow in the tank considerably. (Which I was told I would have too) Also had to rearrange the outputs of my CLS to accomidate for dead flow spots. To keep the algae down.

Shortly after I switched I had a mini cycle of Nitrates and Phosphates, but nothing to be alarmed about. The Algae break out was my main concern, but is starting to go away now. I just have a few small patches to deal with, about 2" in diameter or so.

Just thought this might be a helpful thread to those that are still considering the BB tank setup.

tommyp · 03-04-2004, 06:46 PM

Giving this a bump! Having not gone to bb yet I am hoping for some info on the after switch. I would add that getting rid of the DSB you will need some rock to fill up the new space. if you don't have rock all the way to the bottom of the tank.

I am interested in how you would setup the rock work in relation to the flow outlets.

Thanks

Tom

Pro_builder · 03-07-2004, 10:55 AM

I didn't add any rock to my setup, but I already have 150 lbs. of LR in my 75 gallon tank (including the rock in sump).

Quote:

I am interested in how you would setup the rock work in relation to the flow outlets.

This is the tricky part.
I put a spraybar along the bottom, back of the tank. There are hole drilled going straight up the back glass, and holes drilled to go straight out towards the front glass.
Then the CLS (Closed Loop System) is set up with a SCWD, and 6 outlets (3 on each side of the tank and on each side of the SCWD)
They are about 4" to 8" below the water level of the tank, and are not glued together, so I can pivot and cut them down as needed to pinpoint my water flow patterns. This is done to help keep from having "Dead Spots" in the tank.
When rearranging hte LR for the BB tank setup, I tried to leave some really big Tunnels and Caves in the Aquascaping to allow water to flow freely through the LR. This has seemed to help out a lot.
But as always, when you change the system, you seem to have your hands in the tank more, moving this or that around, to get the affect that you are looking for.

Sorry so long.

wooddood · 03-07-2004, 11:33 AM

troy i just went bb too with a starboard substraight and lr and so far i really like the look.i also am running a rio 32 hf[hyperflow]pump on my return thats 1500gph before the scwd at a 4 ft head.i also added another scwd on a closed loop with a mag 7 and i also ran my returns from the closed loop about half way down in the tank but did'nt glue the elbows so i can change them from 45's or 90's so im just testing everything out right now and will try some different combanations until i find the setup that works best.troy what size pump are you running on the closed loop with that many returns?also i would like to know what you've found do be the best direction for the elbows for the best circulation in your tank.

Pro_builder · 03-07-2004, 11:41 AM

Wood, I am currently running my spraybar and the 6 outlets of my closed loop on a Ampmaster 3000 (3000 GPH) the return is just dumping into the tank in the opposite corner of the overflow.

I have my outside (input) lines pointing across the back of the tank. Then the rest are just slightly aimed twards the overflow. Although, I only have one overflow in my 75 RR. I am running 90* elbows on hte ends of the input lines then hooked to a LocLine w/ 1 1/2" of flexability for dialing in the flow characteristics.
HTH

wooddood · 03-07-2004, 11:45 AM

big pump,i thought it would have to have alot of flow with all the head pressure and elbows.let me know what you find out on the best angles you end up with for the best water movement.

mnreefman · 03-07-2004, 02:19 PM

update....... i had some slime lge bloom about 2 weeks after i took my dsb out.... my skimmer works twice as hard, i pwrsonally work twice as hard maintaining everything,..... but it is so worth it...

Maxx · 03-07-2004, 03:23 PM

I just spent a couple of hours emptying my tank out and removing the CC substrate. My anemone hadnt been looking too hot, and I was noticing more and more algae. I also took the oportunity to re-adjust the overflow in my tank as it wasnt running at peak efficiency. I like the cleaner look and my anemone already looks better for the switch. I had to put two peices of tupperware in the tank to contain some CC from my LTA, (needs to bury foot in substrate..this keeps him locked into one general area as well) and for my Derasa clam...I dont want it to bond to the tanks bare bottom. Other than that, I think it looks good.
I will post updates and pics later.
Nick

Witfull · 03-07-2004, 03:43 PM

Sister Nikki and Brother Dave --Strike Again!!

Pro_builder · 03-08-2004, 08:16 AM

Maxx, do you have pictures of the setup as it is now?
Wit & Nikki, We have converted one more soul.

Brucey · 03-08-2004, 08:26 AM

Still thinking about going BB as opposed to my SSB ..... but still undecided. I will watch this thread with interest
Brucey

BoomerD · 03-08-2004, 08:33 AM

One question on the BB thing... I have a nice maroon LTA, that runs it's foot all the way thru the DSB to the bottom glass. I know these are sand dwellers, so am I gonna have to set up a 6" deep "flowerpot" (anemonepot) type of arrangement for this anemone?

Pro_builder · 03-08-2004, 08:39 AM

Boomer, Yes I would give the anenome a spot that he can sit in the sand. You could use a tuperware container, and put hte sand in it so that it is contained and doesn't let the sand blow around, in the tank.

tommyp · 03-08-2004, 08:41 AM

Maybe a large ring of PVC pipe with sand in it?

Pro_builder · 03-08-2004, 08:44 AM

Tommyp, that would work good too. Then the Coraline algae would cover it in time, too.

03-04-2004, 05:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Those that have switched to Bare Bottom For those of us that have switched to Bare bottom tanks, from a DSB or other form. Could you please give an update to what you like or dis-like about the system now? I have recently went to BB tank. I have had to up my flow in the tank considerably. (Which I was told I would have too) Also had to rearrange the outputs of my CLS to accomidate for dead flow spots. To keep the algae down. Shortly after I switched I had a mini cycle of Nitrates and Phosphates, but nothing to be alarmed about. The Algae break out was my main concern, but is starting to go away now. I just have a few small patches to deal with, about 2" in diameter or so. Just thought this might be a helpful thread to those that are still considering the BB tank setup. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

03-04-2004, 06:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	Giving this a bump! Having not gone to bb yet I am hoping for some info on the after switch. I would add that getting rid of the DSB you will need some rock to fill up the new space. if you don't have rock all the way to the bottom of the tank. I am interested in how you would setup the rock work in relation to the flow outlets. Thanks Tom __________________ "I think that you can start the bombs of oceanrunner. They are good bombs for a rollback." 190g (60x30x25) upgrade in progress, 90g basement sump Check it out here!

03-07-2004, 11:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,452 View Gallery Karma Komment	troy i just went bb too with a starboard substraight and lr and so far i really like the look.i also am running a rio 32 hf[hyperflow]pump on my return thats 1500gph before the scwd at a 4 ft head.i also added another scwd on a closed loop with a mag 7 and i also ran my returns from the closed loop about half way down in the tank but did'nt glue the elbows so i can change them from 45's or 90's so im just testing everything out right now and will try some different combanations until i find the setup that works best.troy what size pump are you running on the closed loop with that many returns?also i would like to know what you've found do be the best direction for the elbows for the best circulation in your tank. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

03-07-2004, 11:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Wood, I am currently running my spraybar and the 6 outlets of my closed loop on a Ampmaster 3000 (3000 GPH) the return is just dumping into the tank in the opposite corner of the overflow. I have my outside (input) lines pointing across the back of the tank. Then the rest are just slightly aimed twards the overflow. Although, I only have one overflow in my 75 RR. I am running 90* elbows on hte ends of the input lines then hooked to a LocLine w/ 1 1/2" of flexability for dialing in the flow characteristics. HTH __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

03-07-2004, 11:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,452 View Gallery Karma Komment	big pump,i thought it would have to have alot of flow with all the head pressure and elbows.let me know what you find out on the best angles you end up with for the best water movement. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

03-07-2004, 02:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
mnreefman Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,393 View Gallery Karma Komment	update....... i had some slime lge bloom about 2 weeks after i took my dsb out.... my skimmer works twice as hard, i pwrsonally work twice as hard maintaining everything,..... but it is so worth it... __________________ http://reefrock.com

03-07-2004, 03:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
Maxx Manta Ray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 3,079 View Gallery Karma Komment	I just spent a couple of hours emptying my tank out and removing the CC substrate. My anemone hadnt been looking too hot, and I was noticing more and more algae. I also took the oportunity to re-adjust the overflow in my tank as it wasnt running at peak efficiency. I like the cleaner look and my anemone already looks better for the switch. I had to put two peices of tupperware in the tank to contain some CC from my LTA, (needs to bury foot in substrate..this keeps him locked into one general area as well) and for my Derasa clam...I dont want it to bond to the tanks bare bottom. Other than that, I think it looks good. I will post updates and pics later. Nick __________________ "Chaos, confusion, despair...my work is done here." ...Some guy named Murphy.... A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!" Reef Sanctuary Knowledgebase (Answers to all your questions and then some!)

03-08-2004, 08:16 AM	#10 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Maxx, do you have pictures of the setup as it is now? Wit & Nikki, We have converted one more soul. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

03-08-2004, 08:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
Brucey Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Reading, England Posts: 1,292 View Gallery Karma Komment	Still thinking about going BB as opposed to my SSB ..... but still undecided. I will watch this thread with interest Brucey __________________ 160UK Gallon. (192US Gallon). 400Lbs LR. Aquamedic Turboflotor 5000 Shorty skimmer. Arcadia 3Series pendant (3x250W 14,000'K MH & 2x58W 60" actinic) (DIY cooling fan). Tunze 7095 Multicontroller & 2xTunze 6100 Streams. Redsea 100 Aquazone Plus ozonizer and redox computer. Aquamedic Ocean Runner 6500 return. TMC Vectron 30W UV sterilizer. Aquamedic Aquaniveau auto top up system through Deltec 500 kalk stirrer. PurityOnTap RO/DI. Deltec FR509 (ROWAPhos). Aquamedic PH computer controlling KNOP HD Calcium Reactor. Setup Nov 2002 See my tank here http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...&threadid=4486

03-08-2004, 08:33 AM	#12 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,637 View Gallery Karma Komment	One question on the BB thing... I have a nice maroon LTA, that runs it's foot all the way thru the DSB to the bottom glass. I know these are sand dwellers, so am I gonna have to set up a 6" deep "flowerpot" (anemonepot) type of arrangement for this anemone?

03-08-2004, 08:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Boomer, Yes I would give the anenome a spot that he can sit in the sand. You could use a tuperware container, and put hte sand in it so that it is contained and doesn't let the sand blow around, in the tank. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

03-08-2004, 08:41 AM	#14 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	Maybe a large ring of PVC pipe with sand in it? __________________ "I think that you can start the bombs of oceanrunner. They are good bombs for a rollback." 190g (60x30x25) upgrade in progress, 90g basement sump Check it out here!

03-08-2004, 08:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Tommyp, that would work good too. Then the Coraline algae would cover it in time, too. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

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