just a quick intro. I've returned to marines after 10 years approx. Current week 3 into a 4 week cycle. About 25 kilos of reef bones from my old tank and dead sand. I threw a frozen prawn in and let it rot. Parameters are heading in the right direction. 250 litre sumped with x 2 Kessil A360W.
Ive noticed some changes over the last 10 years, increased technicality and reliance on equipment, LED's and an inability to purchase proper live rock. Nobody is selling now, or at least I cant get hold of it. Trouble is, this leaves me looking at a dead tank. No biodiversity ... worms, brittle stars, mini feather dusters ect. Any advice on how to introduce these would be appreciated.
I have the same issues in my little tank. You're right, plenty of changes over the last 10 years,mostly for the better or at least the ease of keeping a reef tank. I'm sure you've found your way around most of it but yes no live rock and all those critters that come in with it now missing all did a vital role. Pods you can buy or if you plan on running a refugium in your sump a good clump of second hand Chaeto from an established tank will introduce them along with a few other species of useful and maybe not so useful creatures. Keep an eye out for any second hand rock for sale, some rubble especially that will bring in some bristle worms. There are ways and means but not as easy as it once was