I know this is probably a dumb newbie question, but.....
If the "good" nitrifying and other bacteria that are present after the cycle is complete dont reside in the water column, but in the live rock and substrate. Why can't you just have lets say 3# of live rock from an established healthy tank in a small 2 gallon QT, with no substrate, a small filter and heater with fresh sea water and be good to go? Shouldn't the bacteria that inhabit the live rock be enough to handle any very small amounts of ammonia and nitrites that a nano fish or a few frags would release?
Yes on the frequent water changes regardless....
If the "good" nitrifying and other bacteria that are present after the cycle is complete dont reside in the water column, but in the live rock and substrate. Why can't you just have lets say 3# of live rock from an established healthy tank in a small 2 gallon QT, with no substrate, a small filter and heater with fresh sea water and be good to go? Shouldn't the bacteria that inhabit the live rock be enough to handle any very small amounts of ammonia and nitrites that a nano fish or a few frags would release?
Yes on the frequent water changes regardless....