So here's the thought I've been kicking around recently, and I'll tie two thoughts into one. As usual let me know if I'm barking up someone else's tree.
I just got my 72 bowfront SW broken down and a combination of some previous thoughts amalgamated. Granted the usual sump setup would not provide much the tank didn't have covered but why not use it in similar form? Put some of the very fast growing plants in the bottom with a team of say, freshwater clams, filter feeding shrimp etc? For the fish that need gentler waters this would allow a place for high volume water turnover that would not disrupt the main tank. With the right construction filtration on that 72 gallon could be well over 1500gph whilst not disturbing livestock in the sump or the main tank.
My second idea has to do with keeping rays in a planted system. From what I've seen most plants with rays have to be rooted onto wood less they become a ray toy. Figure for a 48" long tank. This apparatus would be about 46" long and 4-5" deep and wide. This then is filled with soil and planted to specification then raised 1/2 to 3/4 up the depth of the tank. This will then leave the bottom open for a ray(s) and allow for a multitude of plants. The structure could be attached directly to the tank at this point with several tubes supporting from underneath. Aerating the water and getting the heater out of harms way all become very easy at this point.
So, doable?
I just got my 72 bowfront SW broken down and a combination of some previous thoughts amalgamated. Granted the usual sump setup would not provide much the tank didn't have covered but why not use it in similar form? Put some of the very fast growing plants in the bottom with a team of say, freshwater clams, filter feeding shrimp etc? For the fish that need gentler waters this would allow a place for high volume water turnover that would not disrupt the main tank. With the right construction filtration on that 72 gallon could be well over 1500gph whilst not disturbing livestock in the sump or the main tank.
My second idea has to do with keeping rays in a planted system. From what I've seen most plants with rays have to be rooted onto wood less they become a ray toy. Figure for a 48" long tank. This apparatus would be about 46" long and 4-5" deep and wide. This then is filled with soil and planted to specification then raised 1/2 to 3/4 up the depth of the tank. This will then leave the bottom open for a ray(s) and allow for a multitude of plants. The structure could be attached directly to the tank at this point with several tubes supporting from underneath. Aerating the water and getting the heater out of harms way all become very easy at this point.
So, doable?
). It can be a good place for a fish to recover after being beaten up or caught in something, and if built right, a temporary home for fry.