Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Dear Bob,
I am a seventh grader and currently attending to the Manning Middle School. All seventh graders are required to participate in the Science Expo. For my project I am going to attempt to set up a 5 gallon hex aquarium capable of maintaining marine stock. I will also measure the chemical levels of the water during its cycling period producing data tables and charts for display. My father has discussed with me the Jaubert plenum method for setup but I am confused as to the appropriate height to construct the plenum structure. I also would like any information that you feel would be helpful in setting up this tank. The tank in question is an Eclipse Hex5 (i.e. sand depth and size, recommended changes to the existing tank, and problems that I may encounter with such a small sized tank.). My dad owns a 75 gal marine aquarium and I as well have a 15 gal freshwater aquarium in my room. Preceding my experiment, I also need to write a five paragraph essay about how I am to do my experiment and some information relating to projects similarly done in the past. Any help in any of these matters would be greatly appreciated. My father purchased your Live Sand Secrets book for me and I have read some of your articles in FAMA (My dad's Aquarium magazine). If you could please e-mail me back some information soon, that would be great! We have a limited time frame for completion with presentations scheduled for Feb. 3rd for completed projects. Sorry for such short notice, but that tends to be the norm with our school and our projects. Thanks and happy holidays.
Brandon Finamore
Hi Brandon
A very nice letter and happy holidays to you.
From what I gather your goal is to document the chemical parameters during the nitrification cycle in a marine aquarium as a science project for school. If that is correct, a plenum system in a five gallon tank would take up far too much space (about five inches in height) "and" any chemical parameters, such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate would be very miniscule and probably difficult or meaningless to record. I say that because when a plenum sand bed is established, usually with live sand and some live rock, very little or no ammonia or nitrite ever becomes visible. Generally, the rock and sand microbes provide enough biological processing to keep the water free of these constituents, even when a few fish are initially added.
I would consider going with a two inch bed of sand, about 2 - 5 mm in particle size, as proceeding either in two ways (organic or inorganic). In fact, I will attach an article I just sent to TFH that I think will help you in your goal. Please keep in mind you can not repeat or use it in public as the magazine has yet to print it. But portions of it should be helpful in writing you paper for school.
And suggest visiting my website at www.saltcorner.com as it has tons of interesting information and photos.
Say Hi to dad for me and let me know if you need anything further. Good luck with your project.
Bob Goemans
