Quote Originally Posted by witecap4u
Gary, this is my 38 that was for sale. It has 2x55w PC's, so lighting is good for softies and some LPS up high in the tank(thats what worked for me). The filtration is very similar to an eclipse, but it doesnt use filter cartridges, just a pad laid over the media with a spray bar. For media, it uses ceramic tubes, but you could probably put carbon in it if its the larger granules(sp?). I dont know if a skimmer is going to be possible on this due to the filter. I never used one and had pretty good results.
Sounds like a Jebo? He can replace the white filter pad with some carbon in a filter bag. It will serve the same purpose and give chemical filtration in addition to serving as a biological media. It can also provide a place to put phosphate scrubber when and if he needs it. I would recommend only changing no more then 3/4 of the carbon at one time though. The old carbon will act as a bacterial starter culture for the new stuff.

Quote Originally Posted by witecap4u
I gave tucker the short version of most of what you said and recomended he come here, pm, or call me with any questions. I didnt really push a DSB since the tank has a fairly small footprint.
I can't really see running such a tank with a thin sand bed or bare bottom. With no skimmer the nitrates are going to be really high without a deep sand bed. There is just no where for the nitrates to go. I realize the bed takes up a lot of room, but I don't see an alternative other then huge water changes that could do as much damage as they would do good. Maybe one of the nano guys can see something here that I am missing. I could be wrong. Its unlikely, but possible. Just kidding!!!