New set up. Been out of the hobby for years

[fish_guy]

Ok I am setting up a new tank and have been out of reef keeping for about 8 years now.
When I got out of the hobby Plenums were the thing.
Does anyone still use a plenum? or just sand on the bottom of the tank now?
If no plenum how deep should my sand be?
I feel like I am so far behind the times here.
Already made the mistake of purchasing a down draft skimmer , but it has had great reviews and about twice what I need for my tank so I am just hoping it works out. If not I wasted $230.
As far as lighting I am looking at a 250 watt HQI light for my tank
The tank is a 2' x 2' cube.
Any help is appreciated

 

[jennm]

Welcome back, Fish_Guy!

I daresay there are some who still use a plenum, but it's not "trendy" anymore, IMO.

You'll probably hear mixed opinions about sand, whether or not to use it and how deep... there are several different methods that are being used today.

Personally, I like 3/4" to 1" of sand. In our sell systems at the shop we have gone "bare bottom". There are pros and cons to both.

I've never been an advocate of the deep sand bed (or DSB) but there are folks who may recommend that and give you reasons why they do.

Boils down to personal preference - pros and cons to all methods - none are absolutely "right" or "wrong".

Trends have changed, but the science is still the same - you'll be back in the loop in no time

Downdraft skimmer isn't necessarily a "mistake" - there are some good ones (I use them on my sell systems but they are 5' tall ones!). Needle wheel and recirculating skimmers have become the latest trend/technology - but if a skimmer does a good job, that's really all that matters, IMO.

2x2 cube is a great size of tank - you can have a lot of fun with that. What do you intend to keep?

Cheers,
Jenn

 

[tgray3]

Check out the "Bullet proof Reef" slide show. It describes how their setting up a plenum. I've been tempted to try it but haven't yet.

 

[bobz]

Welcome back! I was out for 20+ years when I came back so you can imagine the changes I had to try and figure out! You will get a lot of + and - on the use of sand. Plenums are not as widespread as once the case. Refugiums are "in" now, and the depth and coarseness of the sand (if you choose to use it) will some what depend on what you are planning to stock. I keep sand in my reefs tanks but not in my frag tank. I also keep a lot of shrimp goby / pistol shrimp pairs so I keep my sand bed between 2 and 3 inches. The pistol shrimps take care of the landscaping. The more sand the more work to keep detritus from building up and keeping the cyano from getting established. I'm sure the "bare bottom" gang will share their thoughts as well!

Good luck!
Bob

 

[fish_guy]

No sure yet
I love the new Zoe's I am seeing.
My last system was SPS but not sure if I want to go there again.
I may stick with pretty much soft corals for now
Sump is almost finished here
I will take pictures tomorrow and create a new post as it progresses

 

[fish_guy]

Funny on the Plenum thing
I still have a video of Jobert at MACNA talking about his system
My last system had a plenum and I have to say it was a huge sucess