The Environmental Gradient
Research Phase 1
Research Phase 1 occurred from 1994 until the end of 1999. The period began with
establishing a cryptic no light deep water live rock sump. During the last half of this
research phase, we setup quite a few large aquarium that were self-contained sponge
and sea squirt filtration systems. These large aquariums made experimentation
easier since the large water volume provided plenty of room for error. The aquaria
were two 180 gallons, a 475 gallon and a 600 gallon tank. In addition to setting up
these 4 aquaria we also experimented with 160 gallon and 100 gallon no light
cryptic live rock sumps. Experimentation was also performed with a 180 gallon
aquarium that had a wall to wall reef flat. It was during all this research that the
basic concept of the bright light reef flat and no light cryptic habitat was defined.
This new method to support a captive tropical reef incorporates a broader understanding
of the animal organisms that inhabit tropical reefs. The utilization of cryptic animal
organisms to process the wastes created by the shallow water bright light organisms
broadens the understanding of tropical reef food webs. Research Phase 1 was stopped
a few months prior to the millenium celebrations. Many discoveries and observations
occurred during this period. The history of this research comprises a whole chapter
within the book CMAT volume 1
