Barebones 55gal maintenance reduced tank...

SHOmuchFUN · 06/05/2006, 09:09 AM

Let me preface:
I was heavily into reefs up until a few months ago when I sold me 120gal tank setup, mainly because I needed the money and I am in the process of buying a new home (condo). I've done the halides, calcium reactor, SPS, clams, etc. etc. It was fun, but it was a lot of time, money, and dedication. I enjoyed it, but always kinda regretted getting that deep into it, in an apartment to have to tear it down and move. So I sold it all off, and now I'm stuck with some aquarium remnants.

I have a 55 gallon and a 33 long (that a friend said I could use). I also have a solid oak stand and canopy that was made for the 55. It's actually very nice. I have an idea to put the 55 in my condo, as it's MUCH easier to move than a 120gal setup. I want to do something that's going to be VERY easy and require as little equipment as possible. I'm thinking of doing a planted tank, or something similar WITHOUT a skimmer, sump, or anything of that sort... I will obviously use a heater, a couple powerheads, and some lighting (either NO or T-5's). This way the tank is completely silent and doesn't use any problematic devises (besides maybe a topoff unit).

I'll just get some live sand, about 50+ pounds of liverock (if I use the 33long instead of the 55), and get some colorful macro. Now in terms of livestock, I'm going to want something that's hardy, small species. I was even thinking of just doing a species tank.

Anybody have any ideas for me?
What do you all think of this idea? It allows me to still dabble in the hobby, take a more scientific approach, rather than an equipment intensive approach. People have kept beautiful tanks in the past without using skimmers, etc.

Discuss

Manderin · 06/05/2006, 09:26 AM

damsels, are really hardy and they come in vast varieties, plue their usually not too costly.

reefinmike · 06/05/2006, 10:04 AM

id suggest just going the simple route. some llive rock.. a few pumps to keep flow... a refug if you want. a couple fish, and a bunch of corals that flourish and grow fast.

06/05/2006, 09:09 AM	#1
SHOmuchFUN Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 4,461	Barebones 55gal maintenance reduced tank... Let me preface: I was heavily into reefs up until a few months ago when I sold me 120gal tank setup, mainly because I needed the money and I am in the process of buying a new home (condo). I've done the halides, calcium reactor, SPS, clams, etc. etc. It was fun, but it was a lot of time, money, and dedication. I enjoyed it, but always kinda regretted getting that deep into it, in an apartment to have to tear it down and move. So I sold it all off, and now I'm stuck with some aquarium remnants. I have a 55 gallon and a 33 long (that a friend said I could use). I also have a solid oak stand and canopy that was made for the 55. It's actually very nice. I have an idea to put the 55 in my condo, as it's MUCH easier to move than a 120gal setup. I want to do something that's going to be VERY easy and require as little equipment as possible. I'm thinking of doing a planted tank, or something similar WITHOUT a skimmer, sump, or anything of that sort... I will obviously use a heater, a couple powerheads, and some lighting (either NO or T-5's). This way the tank is completely silent and doesn't use any problematic devises (besides maybe a topoff unit). I'll just get some live sand, about 50+ pounds of liverock (if I use the 33long instead of the 55), and get some colorful macro. Now in terms of livestock, I'm going to want something that's hardy, small species. I was even thinking of just doing a species tank. Anybody have any ideas for me? What do you all think of this idea? It allows me to still dabble in the hobby, take a more scientific approach, rather than an equipment intensive approach. People have kept beautiful tanks in the past without using skimmers, etc. Discuss __________________ Erik Engstrom President, Vermont Marine Aquarists. Current Tank Info: Custom 180gal, 6x80w ATI T-5s, (2) Tunze 6025, Vortec MP40w, MSX200 w/ red demon, controlled by AcJR.

06/05/2006, 09:26 AM	#2
Manderin Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 127	damsels, are really hardy and they come in vast varieties, plue their usually not too costly. __________________ When your under pressure, do something different. Roll up your sleeves, or have an orange. Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef tank 2 perula clowns, 2 fire fish, yellow tang, royal gamma , blue damsel, skunk cleaner shrimp, sebae anemone.

06/05/2006, 10:04 AM	#3
reefinmike Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: ohio Posts: 846	id suggest just going the simple route. some llive rock.. a few pumps to keep flow... a refug if you want. a couple fish, and a bunch of corals that flourish and grow fast. __________________ 90g reef lit by 2 kessil 360's and 4 T5's. 55g sump/fuge, eshopps s-200 skimmer and slowly working on getting every apex gadget