How much biofiltration does a coral-only tank require?

[azbigjohn]

I am giving up the battle with aptasia, and starting all over again with my 165 gallon bow-front. Basically, I want to turn my little 29 gallon bullet-shaped tank (old Cardiff tank) into a frag-holding tank. I am going to scrub it down, vinegar wash, you name it; down to starting over standards. I am then desiring to go bare bottom and build frag racks for it, and use it to hold frags and the few corals I plan on holding on to.

I have very limited filtering ability with this tank. I do have a HOB skimmer that I currently use, and I am going to upgrade my flow in there. How little material could I get by with? Could I use a simple HOB fresh water filter for it for the several months it is going to take to completely take down, re-build a stand for, and sterilize my 165 gallon bowfront? I have a limited rear chamber that currently houses a small Rio return pump, should I get live-rock rubble and use that instead?

 

[Brew12]

I am giving up the battle with aptasia, and starting all over again with my 165 gallon bow-front. Basically, I want to turn my little 29 gallon bullet-shaped tank (old Cardiff tank) into a frag-holding tank. I am going to scrub it down, vinegar wash, you name it; down to starting over standards. I am then desiring to go bare bottom and build frag racks for it, and use it to hold frags and the few corals I plan on holding on to.

I have very limited filtering ability with this tank. I do have a HOB skimmer that I currently use, and I am going to upgrade my flow in there. How little material could I get by with? Could I use a simple HOB fresh water filter for it for the several months it is going to take to completely take down, re-build a stand for, and sterilize my 165 gallon bowfront? I have a limited rear chamber that currently houses a small Rio return pump, should I get live-rock rubble and use that instead?

Just want to make sure I understand correctly. You want to know if you can use a simple HOB filter on your 29 gallon tank to use as a frag holding tank until your 165g is back up?

If that is what you are asking then yes, you can. You may want a powerhead to help with flow, especially if they are SPS frags. And you will need a good light. The filter should be fine along with regular water changes.

 

[azbigjohn]

Just want to make sure I understand correctly. You want to know if you can use a simple HOB filter on your 29 gallon tank to use as a frag holding tank until your 165g is back up?

If that is what you are asking then yes, you can. You may want a powerhead to help with flow, especially if they are SPS frags. And you will need a good light. The filter should be fine along with regular water changes.

Yes, that is exactly what I am asking. I am coming up with a plan for the fish and critters; but I wanted to turn the 29 gallon into a frag tank eventually anyway. Ultimately, I will plumb it into the whole system, but for a few months, it needs to run independently. It already has a MaxSpect Razor light (and I run it as a reef). I just need to upgrade the flow in there substantially. I just have no way to run a sump or anything of that nature with it based on its current location, and the work I am doing on the other tank.

 

[Salty1962]

A PS, water filter and an ATO and you should be good. When I switched tanks, I had a 30g tall setup as my holding tank. I just made sure to do frequent WCs and didn't lose but 1 coral.