Non reef tank, only macro inverts, chaeto w/ no rock?

[warrenmichaels]

Well, the title pretty much says it. Would it be possible or advisable to run a setup for raising macro inverts with chaeto and no rock or sand bed? This isn't an aesthetics issue, it's just about filtration.

 

[lapin]

It is possible. Im assuming you want bare bottom. It really depends on the inverts you want to raise. Some require rock, some require sand and some require film algae. You also might think about mixing chaeto with other macros for a better diet.

 

[warrenmichaels]

I'd like a bare bottom to make things easy. As for other macros, wouldn't I need a sand bed if I did that?

 

[mcgyvr]

No rock and no sand drastically reduces the potential surface area for bacterial colonization.. (like acres to sq feet)
Small bacterial count = greater potential problems with ammonia toxicity..

 

[warrenmichaels]

OK. Thanks. I guess I'll stick with rock. I'm considering adding a small bucket of sand also.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

Well, the title pretty much says it. Would it be possible or advisable to run a setup for raising macro inverts with chaeto and no rock or sand bed? This isn't an aesthetics issue, it's just about filtration.

If the chaeto filter was set up correctly it would remove nh3/4 directly, rather than converting it to no2 & no3 as bacteria does. However, as bactetia will still be present in the system the chaeto also removes no2 & no3 as well as po4.
So yes you could just have a chaeto filter.

This was how Dana Riddle ran a coral farm some years ago (ATS) & skimmers.

 

[warrenmichaels]

If the chaeto filter was set up correctly it would remove nh3/4 directly, rather than converting it to no2 & no3 as bacteria does. However, as bactetia will still be present in the system the chaeto also removes no2 & no3 as well as po4.
So yes you could just have a chaeto filter.

This was how Dana Riddle ran a coral farm some years ago (ATS) & skimmers.

Good to know. Being new to this, I'm thinking that I should start out with some rock. At least I'd have some redundancy.