you could setup a awsome little tank in that space!!
ok i have a few questions
what fish can i put in
can it be a reef
do i need a sump
thank in advance
i was thinking hang on filter and skimmer. but if not possible i will use the sump
i was thinking hang on filter and skimmer. but if not possible i will use the sump
Can be done, but not advisable. The sump with Deep Sand Bed helps keep your water parameters in good shape. If going for hang on bits and pieces you are going have to watch your parameters very carefully. Also this tank won't have much LR, so a sump would be ideal for more LR.
Live Rock is great for natural filtration.
There is nothing wrong with a decent "hang on" skimmer, if there is no room for a sump then that is the way to go, sumps are very handy, for keeping the display tank clear of clutter, but they are by no means a must-have.
Also DSB's are good, but again not must-have, i have seen many tanks without DSB's in fact half the tanks that i have seen in the UK don't have them, my next tank won't be having a DSB, certainly not to start with anyway.
Could you run an external filter? if yes then put carbon and a P04 remover in it and remove the fliter pads and ceramic tubes.
Live rock is essential for good natural filtration, but more is not necessarily better, good flow and well placed live rock to ensure as much surface area is open is much more efficient, spend a much as you can afford on the live rock to get the best (Fijian) it will be the best investment you can get for your tank.
But for a beginner you would suggest not having DSB and small clip on skimmer ?
the LR, Sump with DSB, macro algae and big external skimmer have saved my bum, while getting to handle this hobby.
Not necessarily no, but, clearly it will be very difficult to fit a sump into the space provided, there are very good hang on skimmers Deltec mce300 for one, DSB's and macro algae are not necessary if you don't rush and overstock or overfeed, patience and the rule of thumb "nothing good happens quickly" are equally important
For what it's worth, of the three tanks i have successfully set up, only one had a sump, and none of them have DSBs, i have never had problems with nitrates or phosphates, there are many opinions to how to keep marine tanks, most are successful as long as you follow simple rules/ideas
1, don't rush
2, don't overstock
3, don't over feed
4, research everything you intend to put in the tank
5, regular maintenance
6, regular testing - including the r/o and salt mix to ensure you are not putting problems in.
I am probably one of the laziest reefers i know, but to combat this i never put any high maintenance fish or corals in the tank, so i can keep a good reef tank with the minimum of effort
OK, then why suggest a Sump and DSB at all. We should all have clip-on bits and small skimmers.
As I have been reading even with the Sump, DSB and external skimmers, you have to follow the list above.
Are you saying sump and DSB's are for reefkeepers who want a quick fix ?:blushing:
i don't mind the work.
fish and coral wise do you know anything that will suite the tank best