New tank setup, looking for advice.

[nashlake]

I am in the process of moving my reef from a 90 gal tank with a HOB skimmer to a RR AGA 120 with the sump in the basement. The reef was healthy and doing well but I wanted to move the mechanicals to the to the basement and add a calcium reactor .

When I originally set up the 90, about 10 years ago I put 3 inches of sand over the bottom of the tank and set the live rock on top of the sand.

I had to tear down the 90, as the 120 is going in the same location, and I was amazed at the amount of organic material that was under the rock. The filtration system was not effective in removing material from underneath or from behind the rock.

I had a few problems with algae over the past few years but nothing major. I think that I have been very lucky in not having a major problem as I don?t have the greatest skimmer on the tank.

In setting up the new tank, is it better to place the rock directly on the bottom of the tank, support the rock on a rack system, or place it on the sand bed? I am not going to use a DSB but rather 1- 2 inches of sand in the front of the tank for appearance.

I am also going to build a more "open rock formation to allow better circulation through the reef structure.

Any suggestions?


Thanks

Jeff

 

[~Flighty~]

I would go with either a rack or directly on the bottom so critters can't tip them over.

I have a similar setup you are welcome to come see.