new to SW : FOWLR

C

ckk125

New member
hey all..

is it possible to have a SW aquarium without any substrate but a few LR?mine is a 30 gallon..can it run just on a HOB filter and some live rocks?Can i use a pair of percula clown or any damsels to cycle the tank?i read about this before but the LFS owner told me not to get any for the time being.should i get one?thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Yes you can have a Bare bottom tank without substrate and live rock.
You can run a HOB but I would have a good amount of rock for your actual filtration.

No, I wouldnt use any fish to cycle a new tank, it is cruel, and they most likely could end up dying from the stress and the high levels in the tank during the cycle.
You should cycle your tank with the live rock.
I wouldnt get any type of Damsel since they are little terrors, and once they start picking on fish or even nipping at corals you will will have to dis assemble your tank to get them out.
 
Welcome to RC!!!

From what I hear, going bare-bottom involves a lot more than just setting up an aquarium without substrate. If this is the route you want to go I advise doing as much research as you can before starting. For that matter, I advise doing tons of reading before starting anyways.

For cycling you can just use the live rock as it cycles. Or you can go to your local grocery store and get a fresh raw shrimp and just toss it in to kick off the cycle.
 
okay..so, is it suitable for me to go with bare bottom?ive read alot about this..but nothing states whether it is a must to have sand. so, live rock+HOB and no substrate= ok? btw, is it ok to change 10% of the water each month?
 
in other boards, some members said that the ph wouldnt be high enough..will that be a problem if i have enough live rock?
 
If ph is a problem you can always use a small airstone to help maintain good PH levels. The smaller of a tank you go with the harderit is to maintain PH. Liverock will help but I would still use a small airstone.
 
an airstone can help buffer the ph? Are you sure that it'll be fine to go without a substrate?thanks alot for the info btw, i really appreciate it. :)
 
[welcome]


I would do at least bi-weekly water changes in a tank that small...Your water can and will change in a matter of hours if something goes wrong.

The new SW also adds alot of nutrients that your inhabitants need to survive. A fresh water change will keep your parameters in check, and provide your living organisms with new supplements.

Anything is doable, BB, DSB, LPS, softies, FOWLR, but you must keep reading!! I have rad aon here about a guy keeping a 1g nano on his desk....it was awesome.

Good Luck, and keep asking questions!
 
i just asked above, about using no substrate and just LR. is it ok?.it is not exactly a 30 gallon but a 25-26 gallon hexagon tank.;)
 
There is nothing wrong with running a tank barebottom, any size tank. As with any tank, just keep an eye on water parameters.

Oh yeah,

[welcome]
 
If you go BB, you'll want to follow your pH carefully, especially when the tank is new. Having a crushed coral or aragonite substrate will help to buffer pH some because it is made of calcium carbonate.

You'll likely need to add some type of marine buffer liquid or power to keep your pH high enough. Be sure you get one that is free of phosphates. Also, be sure you get a good pH test kit or better yet, buy an electronic probe (about $100).

Adding an airstone will not buffer your pH, but will help to facilitate gas exchange and lower your CO2 levels, thus keeping your pH higher. CO2 buildup is one reason that pH can be low.
 
I bought some dead sea sand.I do have 2 LR but nothing much on it..the LR is fully cured.Is it ok? I just tossed 3 pieces of prawn into the tank..when should I remove it?
 
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