Questions for the z?p experts

[j.p. harrington]

starting my frag tank up. not to sell but to try and grow small colonies faster for my main tank.

system specs.

MAIN TANK-24x14x11t
10gallon sump
carbon and gfo reactors
around 20lbs on LR rubble
all my flow comes from the return pump itself im pushing the max the 1" return can handle have flow at the very top of tank and also at the very bottom the frag rack sets 3" from the bottom of tank.

light is a 4 bulb t5 wavepoint retro fixture i know bulbs arent the best quality but i will replace with better ones in about 6 months

i had planned on skimmer but not sure because here is what i wanna know

the total volume of the system is approx 20-22 gallons.
im planning on doing a 1gallon a day WC everyday.
there will only be 2 fish if any in this tank. something small like chromis or mollies

also thinking of going all natural on my feeding and starting to culture pods rotifers and also brine that will all be enriched


does anyone see any problems with anything in the system im thinking that with the daily WC that MAY keep me from having to dose not sure yet.

also any problems with my feeding ideas?

do i need a skimmer if i do the daily WC? its no problem if i do ive got one i can get off a buddy for nothing.

any advice/criticism is welcome

 

[A. Grandis]

The traditional way to deal with the biochemistry of the aquarium is much easier and cheeper than daily water changes. You won't need to have lots of chemicals or a long time to check and dose for a total of 22 gal system.
I would just do 10% water change every two weeks, if you really like to do that.
Get tests and additives you like/need to dose when needed and relax.

The water changes won't prevent some occasional dosing either, depending on the salt used.

Your feeding regimen is ok, but I've found that if you feed the "natural stuff" too much you'll be adding lots of nutrients. It will be hard to find the balance and, IMO a waste of time, doing the water changes needed for that. Not practical at all!!
The traditional way is much easier.

Most important of all: daily water changes are not welcome, specially when artificial salt is used. Constant natural water changes are ok, like in some public Aquariums, but I believe that's not your case.

Get the skimmer.

Grandis.

 

[j.p. harrington]

will do thanks for the advice AG

 

[650-IS350]

Co sign with Grandis. With such a small bio load from the fish... your ok. You Z's and P's will get the nutrition from the fish poop, execess food, Light and nutrients from the water.

Do your traditional WC, get a skimmer, any even a cheap one (if you can't afford a good one ) better to have one than none. I started out with a CPR back pack. Not an expert but I do my best with my time and reefing budget allows.

 

[A. Grandis]

My pleasure, j.p. harrington!
Almost forgot... I'm not an expert either!!!
Perhaps that's why not many people answered the thread?
They think only the "experts" could answer...
:bounce3:

Grandis.