Eggcrate setup and powerheads and cost

Hi Robert, I am still thinking of using the egg crate material in my aquarium, just wondering about a few things though. I already have about 2 inches of aragonite sand on the bottom, the tank has been set up since August.

I am thinking of doing two things, please let me know which one you think I should do considering that I already have the sand in the tank for so long, plus I have 4 fish and some invertebrates in there too.

First, I was thinking of taking all of the sand out, building the eggcrate project the way you said in your book and then instead of using a sprayer, just use my three powerheads upside down way at the bottom to push the water to the front.

The powerheads are a bad idea. They are going to be much more trouble than their worth. I hate to be dogmatic... but in order to get the full benefit of the eggcrate, you need to have the return water directed under it. Believe me the powerheads are just asking for trouble. Im general I don't like powerheads in a reef tank because they are far too likely to get a creature sucked in and are generally problematic to keep running.

Second, I just thought of keeping the sand in there and getting one section of eggcrate material and placing it into the sand and at an angle, and then stack the live rock on that piece like you show in your book, only I would not be using the bottom piece.

Well, you have to make the decision on what you'd like to do. I cant really say that taking your tank down is "better". In fact unless you really think you'd like to make major changes then just leave the tank as is. If you do decide for a full overhaul, you have to consider the costs (drilling overflow possible new sump etc..).

I guess there is a certain cost/value which is dictated by the size, for example a 55 is not really worth drilling and you'll generally be better off money wise and future return of the tank if you did not drill the tank. (You wont get your money back)

Which is better? It depends.... as I state in the book write a plan including the costs, and then make a decision. (giving real consideration to the value of your existing equipment in ratio to the tank size)

I guess for now I don't really have the money to be getting into all of the sump, sprayer, etc, but I did take the water distiller back and bought a Kenmore Reverse Osmosis system to make water for the aquarium. In your opinion, if I don't convert everything over the way you explain in the book, will it still benefit me to keep the book?

Well that's an interesting question. I would say if you think you'll be in the hobby for sometime, it would always be a good reference. On the other hand, if you think you've taken it as far as you plan to, and maybe realize its a very expensive proposition, then you could return the book and save yourself $40 I guess its what your plans for the future are

I suppose if my book made you aware to that fact then Im still successful!

Robert