Too much filtration?

Y0U · May 8, 2026

Good morning,

I have a maxspect Dice 12g nano cube (first saltwater tank). With stock everything, including the jump light (struggle to connect it to the cloud), mesh filter sock, substrate media, and return pump.

I have added 10lbs live sand, 6.5 lbs live rock, 500 ml seachem Matrix, and a bubble magus mini-q protein skimmer. Someone who has the same tank suggested a N-Clear Nano Fleece Roller Filter (10–50 Gallons).

The question, is will having the fleece roller (instead of the filter sock) with the protein skimmer be too much filtration?

Tank is 2 months old, stocked with:
5 fish
5 hermits
3 nassarius snails
1emerald
1cleaner shrimp
1 horseshoe crab

I would eventually like to add corals.

My goal is to be able to go out of town for a week and the tank survive.

I have ordered a osmolater 3 nano for auto top off.
I clean the filter sock every 2-3 days.

Would the fleece roller make it be able to last longer without maintenance?

New 2 reefing.

Advice appreciated.
Thanks

Mr. Mojo Rising · May 8, 2026

IMO yes its too much filtration for the tank size, with that said, your tank is very overstocked so the extra filtration will certainly help. IMO a 12 gallon should have 1 or maybe 2 fish. Did you google the tank size for a horshoe crab? I'm sorry to be negative, but IMO you will not have 5 fish for very long, the tank is too small for what you have and it turn into a battle royale at some point, and/or break out into disease. Good luck

Y0U · May 8, 2026

Mr. Mojo Rising said:
IMO yes its too much filtration for the tank size, with that said, your tank is very overstocked so the extra filtration will certainly help. IMO a 12 gallon should have 1 or maybe 2 fish. Did you google the tank size for a horshoe crab? I'm sorry to be negative, but IMO you will not have 5 fish for very long, the tank is too small for what you have and it turn into a battle royale at some point, and/or break out into disease. Good luck

Thank you for your response. I admit that the horseshoe crab was an impulse buy and I do know that he will outgrow the tank. I will properly rehome him. Right now he’s doing great, he sifts through my sand and is a joy to watch. The other fish have been getting along as well, each has found their spots in the tank (royal gramma has a cave with 2-3 entries, the anthias has rock crevices it likes, it seems like the clowns are pairing up, and the cardinal is fat and happy but is the most picky only eating mysis).

My shrimp has molted 3 times in a month, all the hermits have molted at least twice and swapped shells. So far peaceful community.

I hope your prediction that I will lose my fish soon is incorrect. I do not take offense.

However, your answer sounds like fleece roller is too much, but because of how stocked the tank is may be good. Are both answers correct at the same?