This is a 75g tank which was setup in Feb. 1999 to view on three sides. The cabinet is custom
made of oak, with the mechanics hidden in one end and in the sump. It has approx. 90lbs. of live
rock, mostly Fiji with a few pieces of Tonga shelf.
It is primarily a Berlin system with a "very live" 2½ - 3" sand bed, seeded with live sand from various sources. The sump is a 30g tank with the center section setup as a sandbed plenum. An Amiracle overflow dumps water to the sump and it is returned to the tank via a Sen 900 pump through an upper spray bar. There is also a Rio 600 and a Maxijet 600 in alternate corners on timers for additional circulation. The Skimmer is a Berlin with a Rio 3100. Heating is two 250w Visi-Therms controlled by a Medusa.
Lighting is 48" VHO with two URI white actinics and two 03's powered by an Icecap 660 and an Icecast dimmer. In addition, on one half of the tank is a 175w German 10,000k mh, powered by a Hamilton. The hood is cooled by three 4" Radio Shack fans. A backup battery is used to power the return pump in the event there is a power loss.
Parameters are kept at 77-78 degrees, ph 8.3, calcium 425-450, salinity 35ppt, and nitrates are maintained at 15-25 ppm. Water changes are approx. 15g per month. No additives except ESV B-Ionic and Tahitian Blend Cryopaste. Feeding is heavy once a day to maintain micro critters.
I cannot stress enough to go slow when developing a tank, always viewing it's potential for growth. Almost all inhabitants are maricultured or tank raised.
I will be glad to answer any questions at ERailsback@aol.com.
