Need to brainstorm a new project... ALL OPINIONS WELCOME:)

[justahobby]

When I read up in the planted forums people tended to stay away from sumps and wet dry filters because you want to minimize gas exchange. Reason: CO2 dissipates faster which slows plant growth. With a CO2 canister and efficient diffuser it may not be that big of an issue.

IMO freshwater was just SO boring. The fish do nothing cool. They have the personality of a paper bag.

[BSJF]

I'd stick with saltwater tanks.

A clam only (with a top) in one, bare bottom.
A planted macro tank with a pair of somethings in the other.

I think freshwater tanks next to your reef will detract from it's awesomeness.

But, whatever you love to look at is what should be in that room!

[Europhyllia]

a clam tank and a seahorse tank

[txmike]

I would have to say a clam reef and sea horse would be cool .if you want to go FW try african cichlids mine i loved and they are such fun to watch at feeding time .but plants wont make it long with them.

[danvan75]

how heavy do you think that clam is? If you do move it out of your tank, what would you transport it in? just wondering.

[BSJF]

definitely unplug the lights if you move that clam, and expect a shower! Make sure to lay it on its side when you move it too.

[Troy Valentine]

Thank you for all the replys You guys are the best.....

I have thought about doing specimen tanks, and a big part of my "build plan" is to be able to convert it back to SW if I don't feel the attachment to my planted system. I think my facination with FW is similar to my facination with SW. For me its never been about the fish, rather its our ability to sustain coral and micro-life that continues to amaze me. When I see a beautiful well planted FW tank, I feel that same feeling. Can I provide the necessary chemistry to keep the plants alive, and provide a suitable home for the fish? Thats the challenge for me.... I admit I am completely ignorant when it comes to FW systems. So perhaps I am making an unfair comparison between FW system and SW systems. But IMHO I have see FW setup rival any SW setup.

Here is a pic I found of a system I would like to replicate..
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d8...Angle-1024.jpg

[Troy Valentine]

a clam tank and a seahorse tank

I've tried seahorse systems in the past, and I have found that they require far more attention than I am willing to put forth. I also found that I got really attached to them, and I felt incredibly bad when they eventually died because of my inattentiveness. There are 2 specimens that I have a unique attachment for,1 is an Octopus, and the other are seahorses. I have a lot of respect for people who can keep these beautiful creatures......

how heavy do you think that clam is? If you do move it out of your tank, what would you transport it in? just wondering.

Not sure, but I would guess around 50lbs or so. It is one giant muscle.... I am planning on using a large plastic bag. Submerge it, and put the clam into it without exposing it to air. This will take a couple of people to do. I'm sure that bag will be quit heavy once out of the water......

How about a square piece of plexiglass just below the surface to block the clam's stream? Or threaten clam chowder.

This is a good idea, but the problem is that it would take an 18"x18" sheet of plexiglass to block the discharge of water. The siphon can blast water from 360 degrees. Where ever its pointing, thats were the water is going. The other issue is the force the water is being expelled. The top of the clam is 10" under water. That is a powerful stream to send a pint/quart of water shooting out of the tank, and onto the floor. Maybe I need big Allan to come threaten it alittle I love clam chowder......

[Troy Valentine]

Also you can bite the bullet an get a larger reef tank to accomodate that monster gigas...

Ray

RayRay you know Tamara.... Shes is just as patient as I am obsessed. But this might put her over the edge.... "bit the bullet" Thats what I'm afraid of:/

[Louis]

Troy, the planted "bug" has bit me too! I'm actually about to turn my 215-in-wall into a planted discus tank. I'm keeping my sump and installing a few Hydro Sponge air driven filters for biological filtration. I'm considering shelving my halides and running a few 6' VHO's (currently actinics) and CO2 (formerly used for calcium reactor). Here is some inspiration blue aquarium.org.