12 G Long Macroalgae/Invert Tank Ideas

[Husker]

Hello all. I just acquired a Mr. Aqua 12g long and I would really like to set it up as a more "natural" looking patch reef that has a rock or two on one side that trails off into rubble and a long sand bed filled with macro algae such as rhizome Caulerpa. Here is a model of what I was thinking:

I also want to be the animals to mainly consist of interesting inverts such as decorative shrimp/crabs/snails that aren't "reef safe" along with a couple tiny gobies. This thread on R2R (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/150g-rimless-macroalgae-tank.74027/) and this thread on nano-reef (http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/279382-grs-12g-long-macro-reef/) are inspirations. I was thinking of maybe getting a rock or two from Tampa Bay rocks to go along with the naturalistic feel of this tank, but I am still undecided.

The tank itself is drilled on either side for 2 drains and 2 returns. I am planning on a relatively large sump below. I would love to hear some suggestions on other equipment (skimmer or not? lights? powerheads in addition to the return pump?) as well as livestock (algae species, good little fish) or other suggestions.

I know very little about macro algae tanks, but as my main tank is SPS exclusively I want this one to be a little less "sterile." I am especially interested in inverts or fish that I couldn't put or see in my SPS tank.

 

[nervousmonkey]

I have a tank just like yours, except not wet now. Have thought about the same things, but ultimately, it's up to you on how you keep this tank stocked and natural.

 

[Husker]

I have a tank just like yours, except not wet now. Have thought about the same things, but ultimately, it's up to you on how you keep this tank stocked and natural.

Definitely. I would mostly like to hear from some folks regarding issues to note with a system like this. Would a couple par38 goosenecks be sufficient for lighting? Or maybe even a current USA LED fixture?

Would a skimmer be needed or counterproductive in a tank like this?

 

[nervousmonkey]

That all depends on what you put in it my friend. If you are just creating a system that is intentionally left natural, then go natural with filtration and allow the tank to develop over time with creatures that would normally habitate what you are trying to emulate. Lighting depends on the ecosystem you are creating; a lagoon style/marsh grass/tidepool style sort of dictates that you don't use reef lighting as those habitats are so shallow they receive a majority of the spectral composition of sunlight, minus the red, which doesn't make it far in a salt water column. A sandy bottom reef flat is different than a marsh grass or macroalgae tank in terms of lighting. What do you want?
Best thing you can do is a lot of research on the habitats you want to emulate, decide on one, then go with that habitat and stock with the appropriate livestock/plants/sand, etc. I don't think anyone can tell you how to stock a tank, as there are a lot of fish in the sea so to speak. Just research and find a mini ecosystem that you really like. That's the best advice I can give you with such a broadly based question. If you asked whether you should use a skimmer in a lagoon style tank with x. y and z critters, grasses, etc. I could be more specific, but without knowing what will eventually fill the space, too difficult to answer. I think that a lot of people could just provide you with a list of what they would do, but it isn't their tank... Sorry for being non-specific man... o_O

 

[Husker]

Okay, lets start with lighting. I am at a loss for how to light a 9" deep tank containing mostly macroalgae and some soft corals. I would like to have C. prolifera in the sandy left section with more diversity in species on the rock sections. Would a cheap long LED fixture be sufficient for that (something like a current 36")? I would like something with some blue to give some color to the non-photosynthetic organisms (worms, sponges, gorgonians) and not just a typical PAR38 bulb or Refugio my light. What are you planning on for lighting?