10 gallon nano reef

[DetectiveTofu]

I was looking for all of your opinions concerning a 10 gallon nano reef.

I was thinking of only stocking with a DSB, live rock, zoas, mushrooms, other softies, and a royal gramma (I will have a 28W custom sealife PC fixture above the tank).

Here is where my questions are. I am on a students budget and I wasn't sure if a protein skimmer, or a HOB mechanical filter is really needed for this setup. I figure the softies won't add anything significant to the bio-load, and neither would one small fish. Of course I know a skimmer would be nice, but I figure a 4 gallon water change a week should cover it.

Just looking for feedback. TIA

 

[bookfish]

I think you'll find that the gramma eats a fair bit and adds enough waste that you'd want a skimmer on that 10. Of course I'd go with a cheap air driven Lees or something.

 

[Ebn]

Any of the HOB skimmer will work too. You can pick up a remora or a CPR bakpak for relatively cheap used.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

The nano reef is still something I am just considering.

I think you are correct about the gramma loreto adding more to the bioload due to its eating habits. =)
What if I just stocked the tank with inverts, ie. cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, fireshrimp. Would they add a lot to the bioload?

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

28w light is not enough.
I have 100W DIY light that was cheap and perfect for Zoas/LPS

 

[bookfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10158637#post10158637 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rhythmicfire
The nano reef is still something I am just considering.

I think you are correct about the gramma loreto adding more to the bioload due to its eating habits. =)
What if I just stocked the tank with inverts, ie. cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, fireshrimp. Would they add a lot to the bioload?

Nope, as long as they don't get fed too much or die.
That, btw, is the secondary and arguably more important function of a good skimmer. If something goes wrong, your skimmer may well keep your tank alive till you can address the problem.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

I've decided to use a seaclone I have lying around =)