Water Change long overdue?

[sharkmatt]

I think the sump is probably the main reason behind this success. I wouldn't even consider trying it wothout a sump. Kudos to you though Noskimmer for being brave enough to give it a go. Tank's lookin amazing!!

 

[SHK_ATK]

Sill going strong!! HAHA I LOVE IT

 

[Reefscape]

As always NS, continually impressed with the system, its beautifull....

Blah....who is it who keeps saying we need bloody skimmers????? Stand up and be counted.....LOL......

 

[kryptic4l]

the ocean does not skim, nor does it do water changes, it is a balanced system that takes care of everything in the life cycle

 

[Grins]

The ocean does skim. That is what the frothy stuff is on the shoreline.

 

[clown-lover]

We could always post that infamous picture of the people frolicking in the fish poo...

 

[Fishieness]

the ocean does not skim, nor does it do water changes, it is a balanced system that takes care of everything in the life cycle

of course the ocean does water changes... There are currents that continuously replace water in reefs. It is transfered to areas less populated with life or to places where there are many, many, many animals who feed on these nutrients...
Also, you honestly cannot even compare the ocean to ANY fish tank partialy for this reason... And then when you think about fish to area ratios in our tanks, it really doesnt mean a thing seeing how our tanks are 20 inches deep while the ocean in the parts we talka bout are 15+...

 

[noskimmer]

Still looking awesome noskimmer... Am I seeing three tangs in your tank?? Very nice..

Thanks all for the remarks.

Yes three tangs, Mark the yellow tang was my first fish in this setup, Bruno, the Purple Tang (I think he's a fake) arrived shortly after with a Sohal, unfortunately the Sohal was taken by an aggressive carpet anemone which decided that the tank was there just for him.... (he went to good home) The Clarkii's unfortunately seemed to get lesions on them which is why I got a smaller anemone to replace it.. they never stay small for long.. will probably be another give away.. Betty the lipstick was a rescue buy, she looked awful at the lfs and as I usually do, I said "well that doesn't look like it's going to make it.. I'll take it off you for (little)$$$'s" She looks good now.

Mark (Yellow Tang) at the very beginning

Mark and Gordon at the beginning

Betty (the Lipstick) getting "fattened up" next to a fat Bruno (purple tang)

 

[clown-lover]

All look fantastic.. You really have done some wonders with your tank. Definately something to be proud of NoSkimmer.. I love your thread..

 

[blasterman_]

the ocean does not skim, nor does it do water changes, it is a balanced system that takes care of everything in the life cycle

Free nitrate is also rare in the open ocean while it builds to toxic levels in captive tanks. Poor comparison.

I'm looking at the pictures here, and I think I see fairly deep sand bed. Lowest maintenance tanks I've ever had have always had generous sand beds, and we know those are great nitrate reducers. However, I'd still get a skimmer if the tank is heavily stocked. I'd rather have a skimmer and not be aware of it than have organics build up and complicate a sudden crash.