Catphish 45g Hex build

[catphish]

Well you guys I am posting some very sad pics of my hex. I have just started to build this lil reef and can totally use any advise yall have. Only have about 10lbs of LR right now but of course going to add more when funds are avaliable ;P. At the moment I have crushed coral as a subtrate and have questions about that too. Is it ok to add sand on top of the cc ? What are the downfalls if any in doing this ? I plan on tryin to build a little shelf in the middle of the tank for better heigth, does anyone know the best powerhead placements for this ? Sorry newbie questions I know. Feel like a schmuk for postin these pics as you guys have such beautiful tanks !

 

[Ashlar]

How shallow is the crushed coral? If less than a couple of inches, I'd not worry about putting 3-4" of sand on top of it, a little at a time.

 

[melev]

Have you considered putting a black background on one or more panels so the tank looks more vivid? Seeing the plumbing in the back takes away from the contents.

You should remove the CC and replace it with sand. CC traps detritus. I used to have that in my 29g, and it was a nitrate factory. Siphoning out the detritus every couple of months was mandatory, and it was pretty disgusting.

 

[catphish]

Yes I have thought about gettin rid of the cc but if i can get around it that what im prolly goin to do. Although i have had high nitrates and this may be the reason. I have added a few little guys to the tank thanks to Adam, and daveJ, Thank you guys!! Will be doubling the rock poundage as soon as possible. Also a 2-3 inch sandbed. I was thinking about blockin one of the panels, what color have you guys like best ?