Hello all, I hope everyone is doing well.
Admittingly I have been delaying posting a thread here for some time. Partially out of intimidation and/or asking fairly stupid questions; additionally, because there is so much amazing information on this forum to read through. For the past 10 or so years (on and off) I have been dreaming and researching everything saltwater tanks. Some call it over planning but that is just the way I am with caring for animals, I want to make sure I am very well informed. I am still some time away from making the leap (for several reasons) but am at the point in my research that I would like to solicit the community for advise.
I currently run several planted freshwater tanks but would like to eventually keep a saltwater reef aquarium. Reef aquariums just seem infinitely more complicated than freshwater. My main question revolves around filtration (specifically mechanical) and algae prevention but I will also try and outline my preliminary plans. Any critiques or suggestions are very much encouraged.
In freshwater planted tanks I just run biological filtration. (no filters aside from the plants and bacteria) The bacteria and plants take care of the nitrogen. I guess you can say my ethos of tanks are "as natural as possible." Algae is never a concern as the plants outcompete the algae. (in fact I try to grow a certain kind of algae but can't ever get it to expand as intended) Now obviously this won't really translate to new saltwater aquariums as there are no plants to uptake nutrients. In established aquariums large amounts of corals will outcompete algae for nutrients correct? However, corals can only thrive after a certain point in time. (after coralline algae growth?) So:
1. How does one prevent algae initially and in an ongoing manner without large populations of corals? I guess my plan is to set up a tank (around 75-120 gallons) with sand and rock without any light. Dose ammonia until my cycle is fully established. Then switch over to a few fish for the nitrogen "source" (really it is the fish food) with moderate light waiting for coralline algae to grow indicating suitable conditions for corals? In divergence with my freshwater tanks, I plan to use RODI water. Therefore the only nutrients available for the algae are those added from the food addition). Maybe after adding fish, monitor the situation and if necessary: 1. conduct larger/more water changes 2. run a refugium until I can switch over to corals to outcompete algae? Anything I am overlooking?
2. In my freshwater tanks I don't mind the slightly yellowish water, however in my planned reef tank I would like clearer water which is where mechanical filtration will add some benefits. Choices here seem to be either filter socks or skimmers. With filter socks, it seems maximum efficiency is achieved by every 2-3 days cleaning/changing the socks and any time after that renders the socks ineffective. I might be able to keep up with this regiment, but is think it is probably unlikely. The skimmer just seems rather complex for me and my wish of keeping everything very simple. Any comments on this topic? For nitrogen removal I will rely on the bacteria in the tank and I am not opposed to some chemical filtration. (ie charcoal every once in a while) Is it necessary to have mechanical filtration for clear-clear"ish" water? I always do weekly water changes in my other tanks no missed days, so would a good water change schedule be enough? (Also considering an auto water change system) I guess it all depends on how much I feed etc. but in general terms: is it possible (and easy/feasible) to have clear water without mechanical filtration?
To stay referenced, my tentative desires are:
Reef tank (75-120 gallons), soft/lps corals (might throw in a sps well down the road), and a fairly light bio-load of fish/inverts.
Sorry for the long post, but I do thank everyone who read to the end.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond; any critiques or suggestions are very much welcomed.
Kind regards,
Admittingly I have been delaying posting a thread here for some time. Partially out of intimidation and/or asking fairly stupid questions; additionally, because there is so much amazing information on this forum to read through. For the past 10 or so years (on and off) I have been dreaming and researching everything saltwater tanks. Some call it over planning but that is just the way I am with caring for animals, I want to make sure I am very well informed. I am still some time away from making the leap (for several reasons) but am at the point in my research that I would like to solicit the community for advise.
I currently run several planted freshwater tanks but would like to eventually keep a saltwater reef aquarium. Reef aquariums just seem infinitely more complicated than freshwater. My main question revolves around filtration (specifically mechanical) and algae prevention but I will also try and outline my preliminary plans. Any critiques or suggestions are very much encouraged.
In freshwater planted tanks I just run biological filtration. (no filters aside from the plants and bacteria) The bacteria and plants take care of the nitrogen. I guess you can say my ethos of tanks are "as natural as possible." Algae is never a concern as the plants outcompete the algae. (in fact I try to grow a certain kind of algae but can't ever get it to expand as intended) Now obviously this won't really translate to new saltwater aquariums as there are no plants to uptake nutrients. In established aquariums large amounts of corals will outcompete algae for nutrients correct? However, corals can only thrive after a certain point in time. (after coralline algae growth?) So:
1. How does one prevent algae initially and in an ongoing manner without large populations of corals? I guess my plan is to set up a tank (around 75-120 gallons) with sand and rock without any light. Dose ammonia until my cycle is fully established. Then switch over to a few fish for the nitrogen "source" (really it is the fish food) with moderate light waiting for coralline algae to grow indicating suitable conditions for corals? In divergence with my freshwater tanks, I plan to use RODI water. Therefore the only nutrients available for the algae are those added from the food addition). Maybe after adding fish, monitor the situation and if necessary: 1. conduct larger/more water changes 2. run a refugium until I can switch over to corals to outcompete algae? Anything I am overlooking?
2. In my freshwater tanks I don't mind the slightly yellowish water, however in my planned reef tank I would like clearer water which is where mechanical filtration will add some benefits. Choices here seem to be either filter socks or skimmers. With filter socks, it seems maximum efficiency is achieved by every 2-3 days cleaning/changing the socks and any time after that renders the socks ineffective. I might be able to keep up with this regiment, but is think it is probably unlikely. The skimmer just seems rather complex for me and my wish of keeping everything very simple. Any comments on this topic? For nitrogen removal I will rely on the bacteria in the tank and I am not opposed to some chemical filtration. (ie charcoal every once in a while) Is it necessary to have mechanical filtration for clear-clear"ish" water? I always do weekly water changes in my other tanks no missed days, so would a good water change schedule be enough? (Also considering an auto water change system) I guess it all depends on how much I feed etc. but in general terms: is it possible (and easy/feasible) to have clear water without mechanical filtration?
To stay referenced, my tentative desires are:
Reef tank (75-120 gallons), soft/lps corals (might throw in a sps well down the road), and a fairly light bio-load of fish/inverts.
Sorry for the long post, but I do thank everyone who read to the end.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond; any critiques or suggestions are very much welcomed.Kind regards,
