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50g Galveston Biotope [Journal Comments Thread] (1 Viewer)

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I had an old 50g corner tank and stand that was given to me a few years ago.
I decided to make a saltwater tank like I did when I was a kid in the 70's.
Put in sand, rocks and anything I can find or catch on or near the beach.
I am going to break every rule, see what happens and learn from the experience.

1. First thing was to clean the tank and paint the two back sides with black Plasti-Dip.

Tank-Prep1.jpg Tank-Prep2.jpg Tank-Prep3.jpg

2. I headed to the beach and collected life sand, shells and rocks. The rocks I collected were all fossilized coral and full of holes and cavities for bacteria.

Rocks1.jpg Rocks2.jpg Rocks3.jpg Rocks4.jpg

3. I added the live sand to the tank, then the rocks.

Live Sand.jpg Setup1.jpg Setup4.jpg
 
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Johnny Max
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1. I piled up the rocks and added the water.

Tank-Life1.jpg Tank-Life7.jpg Tank-Life8.jpg

2. I also added about 8 large hermit crabs.
I was thinking this will be very entertaining.

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3. The hermit crabs completely destroyed the tank!
They toppled all the rock and collapsed the cave I made. Then they chowed down on the seaweed I added.

Crabs2.jpg

4. I added sargassum I picked up at the beach to help remove any nitrates. I had been daily dosing the tank with nitrifying bacteria and they were doing the job keeping the ammonia down.
5. Increasing the light for the macroalgae on a young tank that was till cycling resulted in the most amazing algae bloom. The hermit crabs were living in a brown cloud. :oops:

Algae-Bloom1.jpg Algae-Bloow2.jpg
 
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Johnny Max
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Looks good!!
I ran out of time. I need to post an update. I have rocks back in and fish and shrimp. Friday I am headed to Galveston again in search of macroalgae. I saw some I want, but it is out on the end. The three rocks leading to it are covered with thick slippery algae. Also, swells crash over the rock with the 2 specimens of algae. I bought cleats to strap on my boots so I can walk on the algae, but not sure I can get to it with the surf. I could only get within 30 feet of it last time.
 
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Johnny Max
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I tried to connect the rocks with epoxy putty, but there were just too many rocks. I just stacked them up against the back glass.
It should be fine since I remove all the big hermit crabs.
I have the light regulated and the algae is under control, which is amazing since the rocks I put in came straight out of the Gulf.
Now I need to find macroalgae to attach to the rocks and I hope to eventually find a anemone. Heading to Galveston again tomorrow.

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