Benthic Zone and the Duplex system

[Josh]

Is any one fimaliar with the Duplex method of sump setup?

In that method there is a Benthic zone which allows for non photosynthesizeing organisims to proliferate. my question is in that system there is light above, that grow the usual things that are in a fuge, but there is a layer that blocks most light and in that area the things like tunicates, sea squirts and fan worms are encourged to grow.

My question is do these thing need any light at all? im thinking about doing the same kind of thing but using an old fluval 404. but it will be totaly dark in there and im not sure if thats the same kind of habitat as a benthic zone.

if any one is interested there is a video on www.reefvideos.com that explains the duplex system well.

 

[ASommers]

These are the same things that on the back of your rock work, there filter feeders. There may be to much flow for them in a canister filter to be happy

 

[ASommers]

I didn't see any real real benefit in it other than maybe adding to the bio-diversity, I hear they remove alot of the bad stuff but with out being able to export it, it's going to have to enter the system again when they die. JMO

 

[Josh]

Thx for your input guys, i guess im just brain storming on how i want to set stuff up.

I think your right silverwolf, the whole thing about a benthic zone is the export. i dont see where all that stuff is going to go, unless it's like something you can clean every year, but then you would be wiping out all your bio diversity youve been working on.

my whole idea with my tank is gona be to utlize as much natural filtration methods as i can, ie: large fuge, remote DSB, and a benthic zone. and as usual i want to spend the least about of money on it as i can.

Your right about the flow issue Sandman, i think im just gona stuff the canister filter with LR rubble. im using the filter just for a pump basicly to get the water up to my fuge which is gona be outside the main tank and stand setup. maybe ill throw some sea horses in there, i think its gona be a fun little project. I love looking at refugiums so much life and little bugs to watch hehe.

you guys rock!!!:rock:

 

[ASommers]

I know your pain, I've been reading up on stuff for the last year and slowly building my tank. I finally put some actual live rock in my tank just a month ago.roud:

 

[Josh]

gahhh dont get me started on LR prices. i keep seeing it priced for about 2 or 3$ a pound from online stores but i just dont trust it, i like to see and feel what im getting before i buy it. maybe it's cus shiping is so expensive, they can sell it cheap. i just keep my eyes open on craig's list maybe ill get lucky on of these days.

 

[ASommers]

That why I made most of my rock, around $40 to make around 150lb worth and where are you finding $2-$3 a pound for live rock!!! I haven't seen any online for less the 5 and I've been really disappointed with what I've been finding locally, they say it's live rock but there is nothing live on it to be seen had to goto 4 different places before I found something that was alive and that was $6 a pound. So far I've been seeding my tank with 3 softball size pieces

 

[nahtanoj]

yeah same here, i don't trust online cause i can't see it. i gotta pick up in person. and as far as live rock, i have found none like the pics i see that other people get, mine had squat. but on my zoa rock i got a little friend. a baby starfish, don't know what kind too small. my damsel will probably eat it. its about the size of a pencil eraser.

 

[EyeReef]

unfortunately your damsel fish will not eat it. And as cool as these starfish looks, they will multiply like crazy. So you might want to get that guy out now

 

[nahtanoj]

man, every time i think i got something cool, you guys go and shoot me down, and tell me to get rid of it, and laugh at me behind my back!:motz:

 

[Josh]

oooooorrrrrr you could let them multiply till there is a hundred of them and then buy a cool looking harliquin shrimp!!

 

[nahtanoj]

see mike, josh is supportive, thanks josh.roud: