Remote DSB or LR ?

[lanshark]

If I want to free up more room in my main display tank :bounce3: by moving half my LR to a remove in-line tub pre-sump say, what kind of lighting will be required for the LR to maintain it's filtering effect? Looking for absolute minimum lighting requirements? DSB in remote in-line container, same question? Thanks!!!

 

[PaxRoma]

LR does not require lighting to maintain filtration effect. same with DSB. You only need light if you plan to add plants such as caulerpa to the LR or DSB.

 

[JTL]

I am not so sure that LR can survive without light. There are lots of benificial bacteria on the rock. I'm sure someone with more experience then me with offer an opinion. I once had a remote DSB and it not ony did not need light, it should not get any light.

 

[PaxRoma]

the filtration effect on the LR come from nitrification and denitrification bacteria on the LR. The nitrifying bacteria stay on the outer layers of the rock, where it is oxygenated, while the inner core of the live rock is occupied by anaerobic denitrifying bacteria. These bacteria do not need light in their metabolism of nitrogenous waste.
Live rock does contain plants (micro algae, coralline algae and such) that requires photosynthesis (i.e light), and gives the rock the "lively" appearance. Unless you want to keep this "lively" appearance, you do not need light if the only effect you want is filtration.

 

[sirreal63]

The rock does not require light to function as a filter. Denitrification occurs inside the rock and light does not penetrate solid rock. You will lose the coraline growth but other good things may take it's place such as sponges. Agreed on the dsb not needing light either.