Crispy's 55g reef

**Crispy** · 09-19-2012, 06:57 AM

been running this 55g sw reef (barebottom) just over 4 months now. thought it was time for an update.

once I get the hang of things, I have a 180g in storage for my next reef upgrade.

...yeah, I know I am taking chances with the heniochus nipping at my corals. I love to gamble...lol.

Thanks for all the help Cliff!

**Cliff** · 09-19-2012, 07:37 AM

Everyone looks healthy and happy in there Crispy

I'd say you already "got the hang of things"

**Honey Badger 1** · 09-19-2012, 11:25 AM

That's a nice looking set-up Crispy, I like the way you arranged the rocks.

**smaug** · 09-19-2012, 12:33 PM

You made the right choice goin barebottom! That is the singlehanded best way to clean phosphate and nitrate free water.

**Crispy** · 09-20-2012, 11:25 AM

Thanks all! I'm a bit worried about a 'rock-slide' cracking the tank and I don't want to glue the liverock together so hopefully I secured everything. so far this is the only downside I can see with going barebottom.

as far as equipment goes, I'm just running a coralife 220 skimmer, and one 750gph koralia powerhead. that's it. looking into another powerhead and possibly a sump in the near future.

I definitely noticed a huge difference when I switched to RO water instead of tap. the algae stopped growing immediately.

**smaug** · 09-20-2012, 11:33 AM

I know what you mean with the ro. I stopped using it from the grocery store because it was simply a pita to do. No way I'm dealing with the cost of an rodi unit and all the wasted water either. I have an algae farm right now but all the corals ,inverts and fish are fine,,,,,, when I can see the clearly anyway

**ScottishFish** · 09-20-2012, 03:03 PM

Tanks looking good mate! I like your rock piles

Still doesn't make me wana do SW

**Old Marine** · 09-21-2012, 08:43 AM

Tank looks Good, But i am not sold on the bare bottom look.

**Crispy** · 09-21-2012, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Old Marine

Tank looks Good, But i am not sold on the bare bottom look.

I'm not sold on the barebottom look either, but as a sw beginner I think it's helpin' me keep my levels in check and keeping things easier for now. I really like the large sand-sifting starfish and other critters that dig around, but I'm gonna try to play it safe for now while I 'get my feet wet' so to speak.