Are you still running sockless w/filter pads? Good results?
Yes, so far so good. I hate socks. I only used them periodically before. They clog, have to be changed often, then have to be washed. Major PITA.
I pull these filter pads every few weeks, rinse them real good in the sink, let dry and then put back. Or rotate out a second pair. There is a third filter pad holder in front, sitting just above the return line bulkhead. This is supposed to hold something like a blue polyfilter pad. I bought some, but have been too lazy to put it in there. I should do that. lol
What are the black pads underneath the frag and mangrove tanks?
We have a Tractor Supply nearby so I went in there and got some of that stuff. It's just a heavy duty rubber mat used in horse stalls. Probably stiffer than I'd like but it's fine. Especially for under the 40b which has a frame and you are not really supposed to use a mat. I just didn't want the tank pulling the paint off if I needed to shift it or remove for cleaning or something.
Is the tampa bay sand like a crushed coral consistency or finer?
It's varied in particle size. Everything from sugar sized up to crushed shells. Very natural looking but some people might consider it "dirty" looking. Those who are used to a very consistent grain from the bagged stuff at the LFS. I personally like the natural look. But it does have it's limits in tank size IMHO. I've tried it in nano tanks, like under 10g and found it a bit large in scale for that size tank.
Thanks for being patient with all the questions you get. You've got something really special goin on and we all would be nuts to not try and replicate your success. Reef on man
No problem! The point of this thread is to document and help others. :)
