changing system set up, slightly

[reef tank 2.0]

Currently, I have a 130g reef tank, with a 30g sump. I have a mixed reef along with reef safe fish.

I am flirting with the idea of dumming it down a tad, and going with FOWLR. If I do this, what changes would need to be made? I realize I'd be parting ways with my coral. But I am not getting rid of any of my equipment that I currently have. If I'm thinking right, the dosing is the only thing I wouldn't need to keep up with, right?

What would I need to maintain/change due to the rock that is currently in the tank/sump?

This is only a temporary thing, till I move in to a new place. I'm not up for shutting the system down completely, just minimizing what I can.

Is there really any benefit to doing this at all?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

You are correct, dosing would not be necessary.
You could also turn down the lighting if it's LED.
Nothing else would need change.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

Not having corals and the daily dosing in the system, would this effect the fish/rock/sand in any way?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Doubtful.

 

[mcgyvr]

You could essentially turn off the lights, stop all dosing, stop all water changes and just let the tank sit with nothing but freshwater top offs..

Fish can live in a dark/dirty tank for quite a while..
Negatives being that your nutrient levels could/would spike and the only thing there that is a potential issue is phosphates bound in the rock would take a bit of time/work to recover from..
All water/sand should be/would be replaced in the move so nitrates and the "sludge" that accumulates in the sand isn't a problem really..

You really don't seem to have much of a bioload anyways based on that fish list so its easy to just stop it all and let it ride..

 

[reef tank 2.0]

mcgyvr - although that sounds wonderful, I don't think I could let that happen. I've been in the habit of water changes, dosing, maintaining for the past 4 years or so, I wouldn't know how to just stop :spin2:

That's crazy to think I could falter on all that, and it would be alright for awhile.

Certainly something to think about. Everything is running well, but I certainly see a move in homes in the near future. When I do start the reef back up, I hope to be in a little smaller tank, with more of a square foot print. But I will cross that bridge when I get there.

thanks for the info...

 

[lionfish300]

I would not go that extreme at Mcgyvr suggested but after get rid of your corals light can be just to view your fish, water change can now once a month and no more daily dose