Sometimes simplicity just works

[chaoscat]

We all are so equipment focused sometimes. Gotta have that new skimmer, Gotta have a refugium, can't live without the latest, greatest ACME super duper water purifying device. "You can't possibly set up a reef tank of any size for under a grand!!!"


...and yet, here is a guy that has an incredibly beautiful reef tank, with a number of obviously happy and thriving animals. His only filtration system is....nothing. He has lights on the top, pumps moving water, an automatic top off system and that appears to be pretty much it. No Protein skimmer, No CA reactor, No Carbon, No Phosban reactor, No refugium and has run his tank this way for years.

If you have five minutes to spare, take a look at Andrea's Tank Tour of his 72.

http://www.cyber-reef.com/Andrea_reef_Aquarium.html

It's definitely inspired me. I've been waiting to set up my 72 until I could afford all the extra MUST HAVE filtration. I think maybe it's not so essential after all.

 

[SirFragalot]

Thanks for that. Beautiful tank. It makes me feel better for not having all that extra stuff on my tank. I do have a canister filter though. A buddy of mine has been running his 120 without any outside filtration, reactors, skimmers or refugium for the last 8 years and his tank is thriving pretty well.

 

[Subliminal]

Well, guys gotta have at least a water purification system. Can't see a tank looking that good with phosphates running rampant!

 

[stcreef]

Didn't hear in the video how often he does water changes. Also I didnt see any snails, hermits or any cleanup crew other than the bottom feeding fish. Wonder what is maintenance schedule looks like. Too many questions my head is going to explode. Definitely got my attention.

Very interesting indeed.

 

[Ironhorseiv]

Seems to me like a perfect example of "KISS"

 

[blange3]

Well, guys gotta have at least a water purification system. Can't see a tank looking that good with phosphates running rampant!

He's got rock, corals and does water changes. That's all you really have to do if you keep things balanced.

 

[momof6kids]

He also has great water flow, and as we were hearing last year at the frag swap, that is more important than lighting. ;D

 

[DaveK]

The video do show a great tank, and it is done without a lot of high tech equipment.

There are several factors that contribute to this success. First, the person doing this is obviously very experienced. Second, the number and size of the fish is kept very low. Third, the massive amounts of corals, especially the soft corals, are going to remove a lot of waste products simply by growing. Fourth, the tank has excellent circulation.

I would suspect that he does regular water changes.

This is an excellent demonstration of what can be done. Before you try to duplicate such an effort, be sure you have the discipline to follow the entire program, especially the part about keeping the fish population down, and not overfeeding.

 

[Subliminal]

Well, guys gotta have at least a water purification system. Can't see a tank looking that good with phosphates running rampant!

He's got rock, corals and does water changes. That's all you really have to do if you keep things balanced.

Not really. If your water is tap water, chances are pretty good you're just going to have an algae farm.

Which is why I mention the water purification system (RO/DI or otherwise).

 

[blange3]

Depends on your tapwater source. I took your comments to mean a filtration system. But even phosphates in tapwater can be compensated for by keeping a well balanced system.

You notice he feeds flake food and has a rather coarse substrate. Both considered to be bigger no-no's by the phosphate police.

Some phosphorus is necessary for coral growth. Too much fuels excess algae growth and can inhibit calcification.

With all the large thriving colonies, especially the softies, I expect most of the phosphate is being taken up by coral growth and exported by fragging. In his opening comments he mentions he just trimmed his colts which grow at a fantastic rates.

 

[BobCReef]

and he mixes sps and softies another No No

 

[SirFragalot]

and he mixes sps and softies another No No

"Splain Lucy"
Can you explain why this is such a no-no? I'm not argueing, just seeking info because as a beginner, I dont want to make too many mistakes. The mixing seems to be working fine for this guy.

 

[blange3]

and he mixes sps and softies another No No

"Splain Lucy"
Can you explain why this is such a no-no? I'm not argueing, just seeking info because as a beginner, I dont want to make too many mistakes. The mixing seems to be working fine for this guy.

Most softies defend their territory for growth expansion be releasing toxins that affect the growth of corals around them.

(WARNING OFFENSIVE LPS CENTRIC SARCASM TO FOLLOW) This can inhibit the growth of those prissy, sissy SPS corals that need to have their butts constantly wiped of every stray nutrient and toxin.

Good husbandry; high flow, running carbon and regular water changes can make peaceful coexistence a reality. In the case of Andreas' tank he keeps a very hardy species of SPS, has good flow and probably has a good water change schedule.