Views on old tank syndrome

You guys have any experience with old tank syndrome?

 

I asked the guys at my LFS and they have had a tank running 20 years witn no substrate bottom.. its a healthy tank.

 

Old reef tanks dont die they just get algea problems. I think that over the years waste and toxins build up in the sand bed causing problams

 

When I first got started I used crushed coral for the substrate, plus, I used the "old fashioned" under gravel filter with power heads. After about 10 years all the CC had exhausted itself of minerals and elements, maybe sooner but who knows and the under gravel was quite clogged. I flipped the tank to one with built in over flow and sump. I don't think you have the same issues with sand or fine Argonite.

 

I got OTS with the CC base in my old 35g. It only took like 3 years or so to get that issue.

I didn't run any skimmer for the first year or so, and I didn't have a sump in it until the last year it was up or so. I never did get a fuge in it.

 

good info guys... so your saying that if we can keep the dissolved organic solids low then this shouldnt be a problem?

Im just trying to take some preventive measures now

 

Yeah. The CC adds to the issue by being a phosphate trap.

My 35g was a lesson to me in reefing.

Number 1, set up a fuge right away was one of the biggest lessons, but it taught me a ton in addition to that.

 

had my CC substrate since 1998. have added more CC and sand over years.. but always have had nitrate problems & algae.. now finally getting it under control. If I ever move this tank again, that old CC is gone and all new sand will be used.