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I'm also looking into this now. Is this over-kill for a beginner or worth the price? I see a lot of people with the Oceanic systems (and they seem to like it) but this setup seems slightly better with the built-in skimmer and better lighting..? TIA! :)

? What's the advantage of replacing the bioballs with live rubble? I'm looking into getting a RSM system and I'm trying to plan a head for everything I need. :) Thanks!

No one? Anyone..? :(

Sorry, that's what I meant. Mud in the Fuge but then what do you put in the main tank? Sand? And how much of it..?

What about a Mud system..? What I've heard is that a DSB is not needed and might even cause problems if you use it with mud. Is this true? I was thinking of doing an EcoSystem with mud and a 1 - 2" sand bed. Thoughts?

Cool. I agree. Overstocking is the problem and I can see why. First of all, I'm trying to do a 120gal tank. I thought I could get a kick butt system if I put $3K into it (that's a lot of money, right?). Well, come to find out, I'll need $5K or more to set it up correctly and support the bio-load...

How about an Eco System setup? I heard that those are awesome and you can add Chaeto to that, right? I'm guessing that might even be better then a W/D or a standard sump with live rubble. This is how I want to setup my 120gal.

Ahh! More responses! This is VERY interesting. So, what I take out of this is either people are over-stocking their tank for the type/amount of filtration they have OR the tank is over-stocked for the total amount of water volume and the 'trace elements' that's needed is getting used up to...

So PC, what did you have in the tank for the first year? Based on your experience, it sounds like water changes ARE needed but I'm wondering at that interval and how large. I suppose that will fluctuate for every person depending on filtration, tank location, stock, etc.. I guess I'll just have...

Okay. So forget that I said they 'never' need to be done. But how about pushing out longer then what we're thinking currently. Maybe a 10% change every 6 months..? Maybe if we were to buy those bottles that claim to 'replace trace elements' would push it out even another 6 months..! I dunno...

Yes, but how much does doing the water change help? I know that it can really help dilute nitrates but a correctly setup tank and filter system should already be breaking down the nitrates. So assuming that your filter system is working correctly, does one really need to do water changes? Maybe...

I wonder if the reason for doing water changes has been lost over time. What I mean by this is, it seems that the main reason is to help lower nitrates. I know it also helps replenish trace elements but I wonder how much/many "trace elements" you really gain out of doing this.

If your waters green, then get a UV light. That will clean it up. I have a 1500gal pond which started to turn green so I bought a UV light and in two days, it was looking clear as day.

Just wondering if there's anyone that doesn't do water changes or does them infrequently (like once a year)? I remember someone posted that they've only done one water change in over a year and the tank was doing great.

I see what you're saying.. Again, good point. :D

Good point Midiman. The fish MUST feel something if it's rubbing...! And we're not anthropomorphizing here. We're debating whether or not a fish can actually feel pain. Pain and Instinct are two different things and not just human characteristics.

Actually, if everyone looks at how the discussion is going, this could be a really interesting topic. I just think it was started in the wrong way. So, let me start out by saying that I would NEVER cycle my tank with fish. And it sounds like MOST people agree that they wouldn't cycle a tank...

Glass breathing doesn't make sense. Take a glass jar... now vacuum seal it. If the glass breathed, then the seal would break (over time). And if the Windex or ammonia was causing that much of a problem by leeching through glass then we wouldn't be able to vacuum seal glass for very long at...

Ahh, so that explains the mirrors.. And it's cool that with Icecaps you don't need to buy a new ballast if you decide to swap from HO to, say, VHO. But, honestly, how often does the 'average' person decide to swap lighting..? I guess I don't really know what the price difference is on an icecap...

I thought I read that if you cycled a tank with LS or a little LR (and shrimp) that after the cycle you shouldn't add more LR to the tank or it will cycle again. If that's true, then why bother to do the first cycle if it's going to cycle again?

Awesome! He just made it onto my list of fish to get. :D :D Thanks!!

I agree with Nico. I'm also confused. I'll be doing a 120gal tank and can't figure out what kind of lighting to get. Whats the big deal behind the icecaps? Also, does anyone why the reflectors are metal not real mirrors..? I would guess that the a real mirror would reflect a ton more light...

I checked out Purigen and it looks like you 'recharge' it with bleach..?? How do the clean the bleach off before putting it back into your tank?? That sounds a little scary to me. I also checked out ChemiPure and it sounds good. Anyone else tried this stuff? Xahx, do you still do water changes...

I'm planning a 120gal tank now (and in the process of pricing it) so I'm also making a list of fish. The tank will start FOWLR but I'm guessing I will move to Reef after about a year. Anyway, would a Convict Tang be a good addition to a 120? Would it pick on snails, other fish, or shrimp? I...

I'm a Newb to this but I believe I read that most algae prefers warmer water. However, you need to keep a SW tank warmer for most corals and fish so I don't think you'd be able to lower the temp enough to make a difference in algae growth. I could be wrong on that though. I think there are...