Reef only aquarium?

[Stang67]

This is my first post so please be gentle.... I have been doing my research and decided that all I really want are corals. Maybe a clown when it's time for the anemone. Is that even possible to maintain all the nutrients and bacteria for the coral without fish? I assume you could just add what they need manually. 29 gallon first time sw set up. Nothing in place yet. Waiting on rodi to start. If a fish or 2 are required I am a bit apprehensive about the whole Quarantine process as well. Again newbie and still researching so any links would be very much appreciated. Tia

 

[starypotter]

Look for frag tanks in the search and you'll find a bunch. People run systems with only coral all the time have fun :)

 

[Stang67]

Awesome thanks!

 

[scriptmonkey]

Well first welcome to the site!

So you are going to need some ammonia source, be it from fish, you dosing it, or rotting food in the tank. Quarantine is still recommend for even corals so do not think you can skip it if you omit the fish.

 

[Gablami]

Forgive me if I’m reading too much into your post, but it sounds like you would want fish but because of your readings on the importance of QT, you have decided that corals would be more important to you if you had to choose.

Firstly, you can have a fishless system, and try to provide nutrients from feeding the corals. But if you’re only going to have a few fish, I think it’s fine to go without QT and premedication. Usually QT is protect your investment in the other fishes in your DT. If you only have a few fish, the DT becomes your QT tank. The only thing you can’t do easily is treat the whole tank with copper.

But I think it’s totally doable to have the reef tank you want AND choose a few hardy fish to add movement, color and nutrients to your 29g tank without having to QT or treat them. A reef tank feels sterile without fish.

If you get unlucky, you might have to run your tank fallow for awhile, and try again. You might even find some established healthy fish from a local reefer to add to the tank, which is safer than directly from LFS.

Good luck!

 

[Stang67]

Forgive me if I’m reading too much into your post, but it sounds like you would want fish but because of your readings on the importance of QT, you have decided that corals would be more important to you if you had to choose.

Firstly, you can have a fishless system, and try to provide nutrients from feeding the corals. But if you’re only going to have a few fish, I think it’s fine to go without QT and premedication. Usually QT is protect your investment in the other fishes in your DT. If you only have a few fish, the DT becomes your QT tank. The only thing you can’t do easily is treat the whole tank with copper.

But I think it’s totally doable to have the reef tank you want AND choose a few hardy fish to add movement, color and nutrients to your 29g tank without having to QT or treat them. A reef tank feels sterile without fish.

If you get unlucky, you might have to run your tank fallow for awhile, and try again. You might even find some established healthy fish from a local reefer to add to the tank, which is safer than directly from LFS.

Good luck!

That is exactly what I was thinking! OK so I will keep all this in mind. I am aware that I still have to cycle the tank as well. Going to go with the dosing of ammonia then add bacteria startup this weekend. Then let it run a month then grab a couple snails. Wait 2-4wks then first corals 2-3 softies and single fish. 2-4 months see how were doing and go from there. I'm in no rush and I know where I want to end up so any all advice is awesome. You all really are great. Thanks.

 

[Jekyl]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-other-way-to-run-a-reef-tank-no-quarantine.534274/

 

[scott11106]

As you get familiar with everything you most likely will gravitate toward having fish as they add an additional dimension to the tank. you may not have a ton but it will happen as your system grows so i would plan for it and if it does not happen than that is fine as it is your system and the great thing about this hobby is that everyone has different ideas of what a perfect tank is and there is no wrong answer.

one thing you may think about is a wrasse is always a good addition to eat any hitchikers that will come into the system, just an example of why additional fish may start creeping into your system.

 

[Jeight]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Journeyman]

If your issue with fish is the quarantine process, some lfs are really good about running copper and making sure the fish are healthy before they sell them. You could ask around hobbyist in your area for a reputable seller or getting fish from other hobbyist is usually safe.

 

[jtl]

I only have 4 fish. I have lost 3 clowns in the past year, one yesterday from undetermined causes. In the past I lost a couple of fish to flukes before I even knew what they were so right now fishless sounds real good. Having said that they do had some color and movement. You easily keep the nutrients up without fish poo.

 

[Stang67]

You all have been great. I think the plan when the time comes will be just a few hardy fish. i am not going crazy $$. The tank isn't big enough (yet). I will be sure to ask the LFS a TON of ?'s before i make any purchases. I love that there is sooooo much to this hobby. i like the wrasse idea too! thanks again everyone!

 

[Jon Fishman]

I have 3 fish in a 75g with no current or future plans for more....... Get what makes you happy!

 

[Stang67]

I have 3 fish in a 75g with no current or future plans for more....... Get what makes you happy!

Thanks Jon! I have found that being a single older adult with no dependants makes getting what makes me happy a much easier and more achievable goal [emoji16] hense the new hobby.

 

[SammieT]

I have a 120 cube with no fish and all corals and bare bottom (no sand)

so you can do as you please

 

[Jon Fishman]

I have a 120 cube with no fish and all corals and bare bottom (no sand)

so you can do as you please

Cubes are awesome...... that's nice.

 

[Tjakes680]

Can deff be done but fish make a tank so much better especially a reef no need to get alot of fish or big fish but a few small really cool reef safe blennies and dragonets and damsel or clowns are so awesome maybe a Anthias or 2 or a breed specific reef tank

 

[fish farmer]

Do whatever you wish, it's your tank. I tend to prefer corals over fish, I have a 29 gallon with a pair of clowns, a sixline and a couple of peppermint shrimp. I feel that is a full fish load for me, gives room for the six line to grow. I know a fourth fish in my tank would upset the balance.

 

[Stang67]

Do whatever you wish, it's your tank. I tend to prefer corals over fish, I have a 29 gallon with a pair of clowns, a sixline and a couple of peppermint shrimp. I feel that is a full fish load for me, gives room for the six line to grow. I know a fourth fish in my tank would upset the balance.

Thanks all I appreciate the encouragement[emoji3]