Sand Shifting

[cjtabares]

I think my tank needs something more to shift the sand. There is some diatoms on the sand.
Last time i tested my parameters were:
Ammonia:0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: <5
Phosphate: 0
Calcium: 350
Temp: 80

I dont remember the other readings, because i am on vacation now, but they where acceptable.

i have a 100gal(72x18x18) tanks with a Nova extreme pro 72'' T5 fixture 468 watts 6-39 watt 10,000°K, 6-39 watt 460 nm actinic. I am running the actinic for 12 hours and the full light for 10.

In the tank now i have:
I curantly have:
5 blue/green chromis
1 Yashia Goby
1 Yellowheaded Jawfish
2 Scotts Fairy Warsse
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
2 Abalone (Haliotis sp.)
6 Super Tonga Nassarius Snail (Nassarius distortus)
4 Fighting Conch (Strombus spp.)
10 Snails
10 Hermit Crabs
2 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

I was thinking about adding more of the super Tonga Nassarius snail, if i should do this how many should i add. Is there anything else to get ride of the diatoms?

If there is anything else you need to know pleas ask.

Thanks
Christopher

 

[cjtabares]

Oh and i have a turnover rate of 5400gph i have 2 Koralia 4s and 3 2s and return from my sump of 1200gph

And a 30gal sump

 

[Ace25]

Holy cow.. well.. definately not due to lack of flow.. maybe endless tweaking of the powerheads to get it just right though.

My cleanup crew .. since I haven't replenished them is quite a while, consists of 5 nassarius snails, 1 or 2 small hermits, 3 turbo snails, 5 astrea snails, tiger banded serpent starfish, and sandsifting starfish (I know, not the best creature for an aquarium).. and no diatoms when flow is working right.. right now it isn't quite working perfect, but I will fix that this week.

You can reduce your lighting as well, I have my actinics on 10hrs a day, daylight on 8 hours.

 

[cjtabares]

Yeah it seemed to be fine untill i changed the light times. It is just i have to leave my house at 6am, so the actinics go on at 530am i feed them right before i leave then the daylight turns on at 630am i get home at 2 feed them again then the daylight go out at 430pm and the actinics go out at 530pm. It only really gives me a few hours to watch the tank. Maybe when i get home i will try to tweack the flow untill i get it just right.

 

[Blown 346]

Nassarious and Cerith snails do wonders for a sandbed.

 

[debbo]

sounds like a nice setup

 

[cjtabares]

sounds like a nice setup

Thanks I like to think i am doing well but i still have a lot to learn, seems like there is always something new to learn about this hobby.

I changed the light cycle Actince are on from 11am to 9pm and the daylights are on from 12pm to 8pm. Times are back at lengths i wanted and they fit my schedule well. We will see if it helps. I might buy some more snails next time i place alive stock order online. Thanks for the help.