Help, UGF or not

[armyvet]

Hello, i just recieved a new 36 gal tank that I am going to use for a fish only SW tank. I have had FW tanks for years. I have also always had a UGF and vacuumed the substrate as part of my ritual. After spending a couple hours on this site and reading alot of the posts everyone seems to be talking about LS and LR as a biological filter. Should I use a UGF with LR or LS? If not, any suggestions on how to set up without a UGF? I also have a Magnum 350 with Bio-Wheel as a filter and 2 Maxi 1200 powerheads. Any help would be appreciated. I will probably be a regular as far as asking questions being that this is my first SW experience. I just want it to work.

[Gealcath]

UGF are not good to use in SW. All you need is a sand bed of at least 3" deep (you can use normal play sand from home deop if you cant find any Aragonite), and 1-1.5lbs of live rock, or at least porus rock per gallon. Biowheels can be ok, but tend to make problems with producing too much nitrate. Also a protein skimmer will help out as well.

[armyvet]

Ok, thanks for the help. Do I put the LS and LR together as I am setting up my tank? (right before I add water). Since I don't need a bio-wheel can I just use a regular power filter? Any suggestions on a skimmer? And will the LR/LS bottom basically clean itself? Sorry so many questions. But I am excited to get this tank started.

[liquafaction]

I did not know if you were considering a bio-wheel, but you may second thought that. I do not speak from expereince, but my understanding is that they are a hassle. If you are going to use live sand, and live rock, that should be adiquate filtration (4-6 inches of sand, and 1-2.5 lbs of live rock depending on bioload). With having sand sifting critters (crabs, copepods, snails..... ect), I say you should not have to clean it. I have super white sand, and I like to clean mine for cosmetic purposes. I mostly just go through with a small bush, and sift the sand myself.

[armyvet]

Ok, so out with the bio-wheel. I will just use a regular power filter. Any good suggestions for crabs to keep the bottom in order? So sand goes down first, then LR on top or mixed in? Thanks for the info, glad I dont have to deal with a UGF anymore.

[Gealcath]

First you put in sand, then the Live Rock ontop of it (it hard to mix lartge rocks in with the sand)

[armyvet]

Great info, this forum has answered alot of my questions. Can't stop reading, I check in all the time. Last question before I start this tank. Add the LR right away while setting up or wait till tank cycles? What crabs are good for cleaning the bottom and when can they be added? Thanks again for all the help.

[Wazzucycler]

Originally posted by armyvet
Great info, this forum has answered alot of my questions. Can't stop reading, I check in all the time. Last question before I start this tank. Add the LR right away while setting up or wait till tank cycles? What crabs are good for cleaning the bottom and when can they be added? Thanks again for all the help.

Adding the LR depends on what type you get. Those who get the expensive cured stuff add it after the cycle for sure to keep as much alive on it. I got the cheaper uncured stuff. I had lace rock in my tank during the cycle and then added live rock as my ammonia and nitrite levels were nearing 0. I got a small spike in these levels as there was a small amount of die off on the uncured live rock. For a cleanup crew look into blue legged hermit crabs or others that are similar. Also consider nassarius snails (they burrow in the sand and are quite fun to watch). The nassarius will clean up uneaten food and what not. I also have some margarita snails that get algae on the rock and glass. Just get a good mixture going. You want to add these after both your ammonia and nitrite reach 0. These creatures have a low tollerance for any level of these. It took my tank about 5 weeks to reach that point and algae was pretty thick but you will be amazed how quick they can clean it up! Hope this helps and good luck!

Jeff