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Seaclear tank, need help
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Chevmaro View Drop Down
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    Posted: August 10 2015 at 10:00am
I have a Seaclear 65 gallon tank.  Tank is an all in one design with a sump on the back.  I drilled the sump part of the tank and it is draining into a 20 gallon refugium with a protein skimmer.  I'm not sure what to do with the extra space in the back of the tank.  Below is a picture of what the back of the tank looks like.  Should I run a refugium back there or leave it empty?  Ideas?  I drilled it on the 2nd bioball chamber that you sea in the picture and I have an overflow box on the drain pipe.

http://www.myaquarium.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/75-Gallon-Uniquarium-Clear-For-Life-Reef-Ready.jpg
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Mark Peterson View Drop Down
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Points: 21437 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 10 2015 at 8:34pm
Is the 20 gal an RDP Refugium growing Macroalgae? If so, I'd use that place for another zone of the ocean ecosystem, the Benthic Zone. 

Darken that back overflow area of the tank with black plastic film and fill it with porous rock, not too small. Use LR selected specifically for it's live Sponge. Be sure to remove all filter sponge, and bioballs. Live sponge and other animals living in darker areas and under rock are an important part of the ocean ecosystem. 

I have done this several times in different systems.  Systems with Benthic Zone Refugiums are very stable and bring excellent health and accelerated growth of the animals in the main display. I have 4 or 5 types of Sponge growing in the Benthic Zone of one of my Refugiums in the Coral Farm. I could share some LR with Sponge with you.

Aloha,
Mark  Hug
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Chevmaro View Drop Down
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Points: 633 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chevmaro Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 10 2015 at 11:37pm
Good idea Mark.  Do I put sand in this Benthic Zone or just live rock?  How much flow do I need?  Is the overflow enough or should I add a powerhead?  Should I let the tank cycle before setting it up? 

I'm about 2 weeks away from getting water in the tank.  I just drilled the tank this week and I'm finishing the stand and canopy.  I have plastic covers that are black for the rear of the tank, that should make it very easy to setup.  I would love to share your LR, I'll let you know when I'm ready.

Thanks,


Edited by Chevmaro - August 10 2015 at 11:41pm
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Mark Peterson View Drop Down
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Points: 21437 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 12 2015 at 6:37am
I'd probably do no sand, assuming there is a deep sand bed in the RDP Refugium and/or display.
The flow coming through will be plenty. 
Sponge grows pretty well, sometimes even faster in a new tank because of the Silicates and Phosphates that may be slightly higher in new sand. 
You probably know that I dislike hearing the "cycle" word. Both Bob and I have written threads about how to set up a reef aquarium with no waiting/no cycle. See the link below in my signature line to read our set up method.

Aloha,
Mark  Hug
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:
www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244
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