My new marine

D

dharris

AC Members
Dec 14, 2004
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OK, I have had reef tanks in the way past with tons of live rock, wet/dry filters, with big protein skimmers. That was all way back then. I then went through the African Cichlid phase for some years.

I am now going back to a marine tank (fish only for now :D ). What are your thoughts on this system. 20 gallon tank with a fluval 405 and a 150 w heater. System will also have two 18" 50/50 bulbs. Will have roughly .5" crushed coral with a few pieces of dead rock. Will mix my own salt with RO water.

The fish will be (maybe) two clowns, two gobies, and that would be about it.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

I live in the Reno area, that's why I will have a heater.
 
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well.... because I don't want to be counted as just another view... I'd be interested in seing this tank set up. I have no experience in the filter but wonder if you will have a skimmer in this set up. Some think it's not even needed but that's a matter of opinion I guess.... would you have a clean-up crew?
 
Dangerdoll said:
well.... because I don't want to be counted as just another view... I'd be interested in seing this tank set up. I have no experience in the filter but wonder if you will have a skimmer in this set up. Some think it's not even needed but that's a matter of opinion I guess.... would you have a clean-up crew?
Click to expand...

Dangerdoll -
Thank you for the reply. No skimmer on this setup. I believe that if you do frequent water changes on a tank this size, a skimmer is not needed. I will have a cleanup crew, not sure how many snails yet (or shrimp).
 
Frequent water changes with no skimmer and no LR will NOT keep the nitrate level low unless you take out 85-90% of the water in the aquarium everytime you cahnge the water.


To make a good FO on the cheap all you need is this:

Live Rock (or if you dont want live rock you can use any type of porous rock such as tufa and "lava rock", it will give the same benefits of Live Rock but not have the neat critters LR has)

DSB (3-4" of any type of play sand will work), do NOT use Crushed Coral if you are going skimmerless, you will never keep the nitrate under control if you do.


Then if you keep up with frequent water changes and dont over stock you can keep things under control without a power filter OR Skimmer, you might want a powerhead for water movement.
 
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