ULM Tank Trials Ep-6: Rock and Sand for Ultra Low Maintenance | BRStv

Today on BRStv Investigates: Tank Trials we are selecting rock and sand options for our three Ultra Low Maintenance tanks. In this episode we'll share our thoughts on what makes certain sand and rock choices conducive to a ULM tank and then give away 100lbs of free dry rock at the end!
This week we're asking your thoughts on ULM water, salt and ATOs over on Reef2Reef, so head over and join in!
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Who doesn't need 100lbs of FREE rock?! Sign up to WIN!
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Check out our options for selecting your own ULM Rock and Sand!
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Today on BRStv Investigates: Tank Trials, we want to know your choices for ATO, Salt Mix and a source of water itself as it pertains to Ultra Low Maintenance! Do you think there is a ULM choice for each of these? Let us know!
Stay tuned as we follow the progression of Ultra Low Maintenance tanks for Softies & Polyps, LPS and SPS dominant reefs each with their own unique demands and requirements for success!
We release a new BRStv Investigates episode each Friday, so don't forget to hit that subscribe button to see what's coming up next!
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@DanielClegg]

As always BRS providing unbias, thought out and well explained information. I really appreciate the integrity you guys have, like recommending people buy branching rock in person.

[@slowbros1048]

Please consider investigating what causes bubble tip anemomes to bubble! I would be excited to see a comparison between bubble tips in high flow, low flow/high light, low light.

[@eugenerivera4327]

Great job please keep up the fantastic work of these very informative Videos

[@alfst5546]

Really enjoy your videos, quite often you cover technical things the most sites in in the UK don’t cover, please keep the videos coming. Alfie

[@matthewgordon904]

I am pumped to see what controller set up you guys go with... in particular how the apex flow monitoring works out long term on equipment like the uv sterilizer on the sps tank... my vote one new apex monitoring all three tanks with a battery backup for power outage notification.

[@9StickNate]

I had a nasty outbreak of cyano in my sps reef. Once I got rid of my sandbed, I was able to increase the flow... No more cyano. Bare-bottom reefs look ugly for the first few months; however, once the coraline takes off, it looks a lot better. I can't wait for my encrusting montis and chalices to become the substrate.

[@TheRealSpuznik]

Another great video to the series. Although I have to agree with bare bottom. I need sand to make the tank look natural.

[@kkrishna9791]

Add sandshifting goby it will keep sand clean. Have controller on return pump n wave maker that will avoid to settle or shift sand from moving.

[@brianward2250]

This video eased my concerns over no more to pukani or Fiji rock, i feel the only option left at this point ( reef saver ) is maybe exactly what im looking for.

[@eugenerivera4327]

To tell you the truth I personally love the pink Fiji sand I I've the most because it looks great to me it's very low maintenance that is my op opinion on that

[@unclefreshreef4318]

Even though I wish you would have went sand, I cannot agree with you more on the maintenance involved. This is a great series and I hope this inspires more people to get into the hobby. The easier and more successful reef keeping is the better for all of us!

[@ReefEco]

Great video as always BRS! While I know the focus of the video is choosing ULM rock, it is disappointing that there was no discussion or touch on the incredibly destructive practice of taking live and dry rock from reefs - and I really question how that could not be part of the calculation in choosing rock. While of course not the only consideration, with the many options of aquacultured live rock, more dense rock augmented by other biological filtration, and other ways to get the biodiversity of live rock, there is no reason to continue to take live rock, or dry rock, from reefs. Pukani, Fifi, and Tonga rock that BRS sells all contributes to the destruction of reefs, and is ultimately a disservice to the trajectory of the hobby. I would hope that BRS could play a leadership role in the future to highlight ecological choices (rock, corals, etc.) and contribute to the transition of the hobby to more aquacultured choices. We've made so much progress in coral aquaculture, and increasingly tank raised fish as well, there is no more reason to continue to take rock from the ocean - which is arguably the most destructive practice in the hobby.

[@Justindejager205]

I saw a thread the other day about using sand mixed with resin to creat a "fake" sand bottom.

[@caleweston7925]

Interesting concept. Do you remember where?

[@coleweede1953]

Can you guys release videos first thing in the morning ha! I need my brs fix first thing in the morning

[@davezoradi]

If there was ever a BRS giveaway that I would want to win, it will be this one! As always, great video and useful content.

[@ReefersLife]

So stoked that my comment got featured this week!!

[@DoubleCFit]

Love watching the videos. Great info and ideas

[@AquariumsDownUnder]

I tore down my tank because of a tank crash but I was thinking about tearing it down before that happened because of a crab which no matter what I tried I could not catch. The crab killed my fish as well. I was also thinking about tearing it down because if these little green anemones that I could not get rid of and they covered my tank and started killing the corals

[@gn9285]

I recently removed all of the Carib Sea Arag Alive sand from my 110 gallon. The sand was there for more than a year, but it literally turned to stone and even adhered to my pukani rocks within the first few months. It took a 5 pound chisel to break the cemented sand off of the rocks. I contacted Carib Sea and they claimed dosing 2 part will turn the sand to rocks. I asked if they warranty the sand since my sand was a few months old. She said we guarantee our sands. I offered to scoop up the sand clumps and ship it to her in exchange for a new bag of Carib Sea sand. Carib Sea ignored me. My monthly maintenance included a 30% water change and vacuuming the sand until one day I noticed I couldn't push the vacuum hose into the sand anymore. I don't believe that 2 part causes sand to turn to stone. If this were the case, most reef tanks which have a sand bottom would turn to stone. What is BRS's thought on preventing sand from morphing into stone?

[@mahu7447]

hoping to see a product review of Tritons Lani lights sometime soon

[@denaliglender993]

What if i use lots of MARINEPURE spheres in the sump only, without sand and rock??

[@denaliglender993]

BulkReefSupplyCom Got it. Thank for anwering me :)

[@hypernovacreative]

I think for a ULM tank you need need need!! a good and strong clean up crew not a big one but a strong one if u know what I’m saying lol🐠🐡🦀🦐

[@fishrrelaxing9361]

For ulm you should have done at least one dsb with live rock. Bristle worms are not pests. They are needed creatures in a dsb to keep the sand clean. There is always the chance of getting coral eating pests.. however doing coral specific tanks in a ulm setup you eliminate almost 95% of possible pests actually being pests by careful selection of corals in coral specific tanks. Furthermore the pest nature of love sand and rock is way way over hyped. It’s fairly rare with decent sourcing to have issue other then desired creature lots of people like to call pests like bristle worms. The filtering capacity of a dsb with real rock and quick addition of coraline imop is what would best set the stage for ulm success on a new setup. Anything else isn’t ulm by nature as you will have to mature the tank with lots of maintainer short term till you can truest have a ulm. Going bare bottom is a good choice. You should’ve done one each as there is really o my three options.. bare bottom rock of choice, normal medium grain sand 1-2” with dry rock and the third going pure live rock and sand using dsb with fine sugar sand 3-5” thick. Live gets such a bad rep cause most people se it as destroying natural reefs. The reality is most companies today replace 10lb of rock for every 1lb they remove from artificial reef environments to start with. By buying them you’re actually helping the environment overall. You have to look closely at the source of the rock though. I personally won’t buy gulf rock. (Rock from the Gulf of Mexico from Florida dealers) you want Atlantic rock. Gulf rock comes with a lot of plant life while Atlantic’s rock comes with lots of coraline and baby corals. I too am in Florida so that helps as when I place an order I’m getting rock pulled just 2 days ago max and even with found shipping in most cases is next day so I’m max 3 days removed from natural environment. You also have to look at how losing companies allow the rock to mature before harvesting. I don’t buy from 2-5 year harvest only 5 year plus. As for cost... it’s only about $1 more per pound vs many premium dry options and doesn’t need weeks of sterilization actually saving you money long term. Buying reef saver type options are 10 years out dated same as buying real reef harvested rock is 20 years out dated or outlawed most places. There is very few pests that can be had from real rock that can’t be fixed with a 6 line especially in tanks this small. I like to use the 6 line as first fish introduced to a new tank to eat up real pests before I introduce corals. Then sell then after. I also stay away from the most common corals to be attacked by common pests most times. All that said... no matter the source of your sand or rock.. you have way higher chance of getting real pests from a frag or coral then from live rock and sand. I even buy true scrapped from the ocean floor sand for new tanks. Now this costs a good bit more then say Carib sea live sand options compared to cultured live rock vs dry rock per say.. but I find the amount of added creatures both micro and Macro are way better and save you a small fortune long term when you’re trying to later add things to get high populations of micro and macro fawna to eat algae etc. if you’d gone full love you could’ve freed up those small almost worthless sumps for much more important items making for a cheaper ulm build.

[@caleweston7925]

Thanks for another great video. I must say the visual benefit of sand far outweighs is maintenance for me despite aiming for ulm. Also, could you please have a chat about opening up some of the prizes like this to viewers outside the US? 😁

[@natalbreefing5934]

Would the detritus build up in the bare bottom not cause the “untidy” look and almost force a vacuum or clean more regularly. When I had a bare bottom nano it was so annoying to see the detritus on the bottom that I was almost compelled to clean it up everyday...

[@MrFutureinc]

you all want ulm.... shallow sand beds and bare bottom need maintenance all the time, syphoning the detritus, waste food etc. newyorksteelo demonstrated that a deep sand bed maintains itself, with the right critters, so is truly the ulm sand bed.

[@jasongarcia3276]

Since we are all waiting on the tank to cycle and mature for corals. I have seen some of your videos on corals. I’m building my first reef tank 80gallons. Could you guys make a video of how and why you built your rock structure the way it is and in reference to the corals your gonna place. I’m having a hard to figuring out. Where to place corals “mixed reef” so they don’t fight for territory. I see so many corals on the same rock and wonder how you keep them from fighting. Which ones get along and won’t fight and be a colony? Or which ones have to be on a island Also maybe a top ten in each category Lps, sps, etc. And have Ryan slow down his explanation please lol I think this is something worth being in detail for ulm

[@balkin33]

I prefer man made live rock... (IE Real Reef Rock) I've used wet live rock and dry rock and the man made live rock is so much better for truly starting with a clean rock. That said I agree Dr. Tim's One and Only is the only way I will ever start a new tank... it simply works too well to ignore. Sand is a sore spot for me... it's pretty hard to keep clean but I always seem to add it anyways...:-)

[@maxvitaminsea1472]

Any ideas for a 10-gallon saltwater tank that can be moved in the future and cheap for my science class I know my stuff but want to do it correctly and also Ulm and mosl likely comunity

[@erick6102]

Great series

[@mathieugagnon8413]

What is the awesome black and purple fish at 14:15?

[@mathieugagnon8413]

BulkReefSupplyCom I was wondering, are you referring to the black fish towards the middle of the tank, because I can't seem to find that type anywhere

[@mathieugagnon8413]

BulkReefSupplyCom ok thank you so much!

[@jamesfoster495]

Great info as always

[@kaiyounger]

Where can I purchase the black hdpe /avs liner you used?

[@legozombiemocmaker8026]

I like the abs idea where did you get it from

[@kreesdqban]

In my honest opinion, there are too many similarities between these 3 tanks. If the 3 tanks took 3 different approaches to try to get to the same result you may actually be surprised by some of the recommended options instead of relying on old ideas to influence your expectations of the results. Nonetheless, great info and great job.

[@MotoSly]

0:23 ... what coral is that??? btw ULM: go to DSR method :) doing it for a while now... no water change.....

[@MotoSly]

no, not the acan :) i mean the green one... acro?

[@alrui]

Hi Guys, whats the name of the little ground dweller shown at 1:21 in? Any others "sucker" type fish that graze the gravel? Thanks in advance & I'm loving the refractometer I recently got from you!

[@alrui]

Thanks!

[@seandillon9456]

Thanks for the new vid

[@SickMeds]

I know is bit late as video was posted some time ago, just curious why you have not mentioned real reef rock which originally you have used in BRS 160, starting 200g ULM tank and that the rock I have ordered, tank will be on triton method my only concern is that it elevates calcium a lot, we’ll see how it goes

[@SickMeds]

BulkReefSupplyCom First of all thank you for your reply, you are completely right, I was aquascaping new 200g tank and realized this rock is not as porous as the live rock I’ve used before, since I’m doing ULM with triton method I will add couple of filtration bricks between refugiamos and skimmer section, hope that will compensate for 110lb of real reef rock.

[@TheCluelessReefer]

How come you guys never mention Haitian rock? It's widely carried by shops here in Florida and is typically gets dumped into people's tanks that don't know what to ask for.

[@reeferreborn3245]

I would add an AOI system and time the amount of time spent attending to sump/drain return issues/adjustments you need to worry about with a sump.

[@reeferreborn3245]

I meant AIO all in one

[@westonbechtold2280]

Less pests= Less maintenance!! Dry rock/live sand, PLEASE NO BAREBOTTOM!!!:)

[@lunarfox8724]

Great vid I love you guys you’re awesome

[@guayacoquique1994]

Hi Ryan, the floor of my new aquarium is 31"x15.7" How many pounds of live sand do I need to buy??

[@guayacoquique1994]

@@BRStv Thank you

[@Twenty8Dollars]

Is Walt smith reef rock truly discontinued?

[@jasonpage9580]

Where do you get abs liner?

[@tittiesprnkles]

much excite

[@paulbarnhart3238]

Did you guys bleach the reef saver?

[@GustavoTokoroRiether]

I was really wanting to see sand on these tanks...

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

Ryan awesome video gotta admit for a ULM system bare bottom would be the way to go (even though I hate bare bottom tanks). I considered using Textured ABS plastic on the bottom of my tank, but the deal breaker was it only comes in black. If the textured ABS plastic would have come in a medium blue, or a navy blue I would have definitely considered it. But in the end, I chose medium coarse sand for the bottom of my tank. But I'd have to admit I would have loved to try ABS textured plastic in a color other than black, personally I think a 1/16th of inch would be fine .

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

This I did not know, why will they all end up purple? :-)

[@garyjohnson6164]

Phil Cusimano probably from Coraline algae

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

Make sense, why didn't I think of that? thanks Gary!

[@oldpop788]

I really miss the old premium live rock. Tonga was great and actually live.

[@Amped1231]

Simply, Dry Rock & Bare Bottom.

[@jaron4750]

Hey, just wondering how much rock you ended up using per tank. Thanks

[@jaron4750]

BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks

[@MODIT]

BRS, what lights are you now using on yours tank?

[@MODIT]

my apologizes I meant your 160, looks like led's thought it was t5 before. Regardless it looks great just curious what you guys switched to. Thanks.

[@sebastianperdomo3580]

I WANT THE ROCK

[@scotturban54]

I want to win the rock

[@MrFinch-ni5mk]

Who slept in whos bed to make BRS start sales taxing WA state residents

[@MrFinch-ni5mk]

BulkReefSupplyCom I know it was way off topic but thank u for taking the time. Just so frustrating lately. Nickle and diming us to death up here. First sugar tax now online tax to start the year

[@nietrelevant3338]

barebottom tanks are super ugly imo

[@slowbros1048]

nietrelevant the fact that brs love reacted this makes me so happy XD

[@jeffk464]

yes, but I want one

[@jorgehernandez1294]

Just go bare bottom

[@Boosted98gsx]

ULM? Barebottom.

[@JLards]

100bls of crack rock?