I have a 16 gallon reef cube, it's been set up for about 18-19 years. Because of my small tank size, I cannot have many fish. I started with 2 Damsels and added an Ocellaris Clownfish. When the last damsel died in 2016 I knew right away the clown was happier. I left him alone and have not bought a fish in many years. My clownfish passed away (from old age I think) 2 days ago.
I went to my local fish store yesterday and I didn't like their Clownfish selection. They said they are in the process of switching salt-fish vendors and they are hoping for a new delivery soon but they don't know when it will come. They also tested a water sample I brought and confirmed my water was dialed in (and not the reason my fish passed).
My question is, how long can I reasonably let this tank sit without fish and still maintain a good water balance?
I do not want to rush my next fish purchase if the store doesn't have the fish that I want. Can I wait 2 weeks or longer until I find the right fish, or do I really need to put "anything" in the tank for now and remove it when I find my "forever" fish? I have a lot of live rock in the tank. Don't know if this makes a difference.
I went to my local fish store yesterday and I didn't like their Clownfish selection. They said they are in the process of switching salt-fish vendors and they are hoping for a new delivery soon but they don't know when it will come. They also tested a water sample I brought and confirmed my water was dialed in (and not the reason my fish passed).
My question is, how long can I reasonably let this tank sit without fish and still maintain a good water balance?
I do not want to rush my next fish purchase if the store doesn't have the fish that I want. Can I wait 2 weeks or longer until I find the right fish, or do I really need to put "anything" in the tank for now and remove it when I find my "forever" fish? I have a lot of live rock in the tank. Don't know if this makes a difference.