Ultimate Question!

[Corvette Reefer]

How do you keep a tank to look like its brand new like this when u firsty start a new tank in the cycle process, like this beautiful tank, when it first started?



But just after a cycle that goes away,and becomes more purple and red like this



i wish my tank could stay like the first pick and just add corals and still look that CLEAN.

[Mike]

The Coraline algea is a good thing on the rocks. I hate it on any other surface though. I think the only way to keep it looking "new" is aggressive maintenance as far as coraline is concerned. The rocks I would just accept

[Argent]

yah coraline on your rocks means you're doing something right

just get a nice glass scraper to keep it off the glass

[jimsflies]

I agree with Mike and Paul.

A bit off subject, but have you considered putting a black across the back so you don't see the cords?

[ReeferRob]

Looks like like you've added quite a bit of rock to the tank since? Also regular 20% vacuuming of the bed will keep it fresh and clean looking!

[Corvette Reefer]

ReeferRob: thanks for the advice ill have to start vacuuming more.

And yeah i no that coriline is good but i like that fresh look that the first one has, btw i cant seem to get all these micro bubles out of my tank any help with that?

[Argent]

hrm - ok well in that case - get lots of sand sifters - like nassarius snails and sand sifting stars to keep the sandbed mixed up

[Corvette Reefer]

what type of stars would i get that wont harm corals and can live with a giant brittle star?

[Bruder]

I would highly recommend not getting a sand sifting star for your tank. Sand sifting stars will go through your sand and eat all fauna in your sandbed. I actually read somewhere that you should have at least a 500 gallon tank for 1 sand sifting starfish. Sand sifting stars can crash large tanks, they would surely be devastating to a smaller tank like yours.

Stick with nassarius snails and maybe even a small goby who will burrow and stir up the sand.

[Sir Patrick]

Changing out your old worn out bulbs will help the aperance alot!