Switching from Fish Only to Reef Tank

EMazurk · 08/01/2017, 04:40 PM

Hello everyone, my apologies if this is a question that has been asked before. I read through pinned posts and have questions that weren't answered in those.

I currently have a fish only 36 gallon tank that is doing really well. It has been fully cycled, contains live rock and sand, powerheads for flow, and heater. I had researched and read that buying a filter was not necessary (ends up doing more harm than good if you don't stay on top of cleaning it out), so I've been relying on natural filtration with hermit crabs to pick up scraps, bacteria, and then weekly/bi-weekly water changes.

I'm interested in stepping up the tank and making it more attractive by adding some corals, however I wanted to know what would be necessary before making the switch. I don't have the room for a fuge or a sump. Is it possible to still have a successful reef tank without one? If so, what would I need to add? Protein skimmer? An actual filter?

Like I said I have had great success on keeping a clean tank with several fish, hermit crabs and snails without all this stuff, it'd be great if I could begin adding corals without having to start drilling and adding sump/fuge.

Thanks!

mcgyvr · 08/01/2017, 04:59 PM

The key to success with corals is mostly stable/good water parameters..
Many can accomplish that without a sump nor skimmer nor fuge.. All of that has the potential to make it easier/better though..
If your nitrates and phosphates (nutrients) are low (nitrates sub 10, phosphates sub .1) and you aren't experiencing any problematic algae issues,etc.. then all you might need is a better light and you can get some corals now..
Maintaining stable salinity (of course), alkalinity, calcium and mag levels are also important parameters with corals..

Start with a softies/leathers/easy coral and see how it goes after you look into if your lighting is acceptable or not..

08/01/2017, 04:40 PM	#1
EMazurk Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 4	Switching from Fish Only to Reef Tank Hello everyone, my apologies if this is a question that has been asked before. I read through pinned posts and have questions that weren't answered in those. I currently have a fish only 36 gallon tank that is doing really well. It has been fully cycled, contains live rock and sand, powerheads for flow, and heater. I had researched and read that buying a filter was not necessary (ends up doing more harm than good if you don't stay on top of cleaning it out), so I've been relying on natural filtration with hermit crabs to pick up scraps, bacteria, and then weekly/bi-weekly water changes. I'm interested in stepping up the tank and making it more attractive by adding some corals, however I wanted to know what would be necessary before making the switch. I don't have the room for a fuge or a sump. Is it possible to still have a successful reef tank without one? If so, what would I need to add? Protein skimmer? An actual filter? Like I said I have had great success on keeping a clean tank with several fish, hermit crabs and snails without all this stuff, it'd be great if I could begin adding corals without having to start drilling and adding sump/fuge. Thanks!

08/01/2017, 04:59 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	The key to success with corals is mostly stable/good water parameters.. Many can accomplish that without a sump nor skimmer nor fuge.. All of that has the potential to make it easier/better though.. If your nitrates and phosphates (nutrients) are low (nitrates sub 10, phosphates sub .1) and you aren't experiencing any problematic algae issues,etc.. then all you might need is a better light and you can get some corals now.. Maintaining stable salinity (of course), alkalinity, calcium and mag levels are also important parameters with corals.. Start with a softies/leathers/easy coral and see how it goes after you look into if your lighting is acceptable or not.. __________________ Who me?