Non-filtered reef tank...the keep it simple reef.

[Spearo2953]

After 2 previous marine tanks, and a 6 year hiatus, I am back in the hobby. I am taking the minimalist route on this tank and was wondering if there are pitfalls to my approach.

Tank 39g (36"x24"x12")
Sump 20g
Filtration 4-6" dsp in DT, ~55lbs live rock

Livestock:
3 blue-green chromis (2")
1 Hectors Goby
1 Royal Gramma
3 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Pencil Urchin
Snails and hermits
1 Lobophyllia (sm)
1 Trachyphyllia (sm)
Xenia (started small, getting big!)
1 zoo frag

The tank is now about 6 months old and seems to be running very smoothly. I don't plan on adding a protein skimmer or any mechanical filtration. I add well water that is filtered with carbon only. I had an algae outbreak (various types) that now appears to be under control (except valonia).
I understand that this approach will limit my options, but I don't plan on adding much more livestock (maybe one flasher or 6 line) and some more zoos or LPS.

I think this is an okay approach if I keep up with water changes. Are there any problems that might cause problems long term with this very simple and low maintenance approach?

 

[billdogg]

my reef tank has been running since 1992 with tap water, a canister filter, an emperor peguin HOB filter, no sump, and VHO lighting. i recently added a phoshate reactor. no protein skimmer. no UV sterilizer, no calcium reactor, no kalk additions. just regular water changes and a reasonable (light) bioload.

It may not work for everybody, but it seems to work for me.

 

[aaron1987]

I'm not sure what your feeding practices or flow is like but my concern would be that you're going to get a buildup of organics over time in the rockwork. If it were my tank I'd look into a bulk reef supply media reactor for GFO and carbon; minimal investment and could pay dividends in avoiding algae issues and water clarity.

 

[Spearo2953]

Here's a pic

 

[THE ROOK]

You already have a sump & a small but decent skimmer can only help your tank. Not really sure why some fight that but there's always a few.

Regular water changes will definitely help keep things stable.

Also consider using a filter sock in the sump. Even if only once a week while dusting off the rock with a turkey baster.

 

[pledosophy]

If your O.K. with algae growth I see no worries, as long as you can keep the nitrates from getting way to high.

Perhaps look into some algaes you fin appealing and plant those. At least then you kind of get to pick your poison.

I have run many tanks without skimmers or other mechanical filtration, but have always used a refugium that was at least half the tank volume. I also keep my systems with high flow so there is not so much build up in the rocks. The flow is alternating to keep things clean.

JME

 

[BLKTANG]

my friend has a 75 with 2 biowheel 50's,& 150w DE MH(DIY),& thats it.(becides LR).Everything looks great in that tank.

 

[jimmy n]

Is that an older photo? That sandbed looks nowhere near 4-6". Not that I think that matters much, but just a reaction to your initial post.

 

[Acolin]

Tank looks good

Four fish in a 60-gallon system?
Could be a long time before it crashes.
Are you growing macro algae in the sump?
If not, then I would certainly add a mechanical filter of some sort to remove accumulated detritus.
What are your measured levels?
How have they changed over time?
How much carbon are you using?
How often do you use it?
How much water are you changing?
How often do you change it?