Experience Wanted

[qwik]

I am setting up a dark/cryptic zone in my sump . I have built the box uot of unglazed/unpolished marble . There will be a slight opening on the bottom of one side and top of the other . Both opening will have overhangs to prevent light from entering . The top will be made of starboard for easy removal to check on whatever decides to grow in it .

I will be running a very low flow into it . I will also be hanging eggcrate inside of it for the sponges,tubeworms and whatever else to grow on . I plan on seeding it with some very small pieces of live rock that have sponges on the underside of them . Once it has its own growth I will remove the rock .

My concerns are with the marble and its possible effects on my system . Please dont hold back and tell me of all problems I might encounter,short and long term .

PS.Has anyone read the Tyree CD/Book about this ? Thanks to everyone for there help .

 

[mikem]

I don't know what the thing you're setting up is, but marble is a calcium and will not hurt a tank.

 

[Phyl]

Sounds very interesting, but I haven't read about it. I have some sponge that grows all over my tank (light, dark and anywhere else), if you're interested in some next time we meet up!

 

[qwik]

Mike , I am basically setting up a low flow dark area in my sump . I have extra room in my sump and want to try something else . Just wanted to post to make sure I cant hurt anything .
Heres some reading about it .
http://www.dynamicecomorphology.com

 

[phish guy]

i have heard of this before. it seems good in theory but i dont know anyone whos done it. sponges, feather dusters and whatever else grows in there are all filter feeders and will help pull any floating debris from the water column.

 

[Phyl]

How about a turf scrubber?!

 

[qwik]

I have the room for the cryptic zone and don't see any downside to it . The scrubber is another story . Scary claims of green tinted water,spores entering main tank and overtaking every surface,toxic smells,loud splashing sounds,oh the horrors . I am exaggerating the cons, I think they can work but I am going to use the "I don't have the room" excuse and let someone else experiment . ;D