Stand alone macro tank

[hvacman250]

I have a spare 10 gal tank and HOB filter. Filter is for a 30-60 gal rated at 330 gph. I thought I could grow some macro algaes like caulerpa to feed waaaaay future tangs, or just for the fun of it. Maybe keep a shrimp and small hardy fish amongst the macros.

Should I leave the filter in to create the so-called "nitrate factory" for the macros to consume?

I was thinking shallow sand bed, and 10 lbs or so of live rock. CFL light for growth.

Algae consumes nitrate and phosphate, correct? So is one fish and one shrimp going to produce enough waste for said algae?

Am I thinking this wrong?

 

[PaxRoma]

to grow macro successfully in the long run you need:
-wastes (nitrate+phosphate)
-light
-carbon dioxide
-iron&manganese.

 

[hvacman250]

to grow macro successfully in the long run you need:
-wastes (nitrate+phosphate)
-light
-carbon dioxide
-iron&manganese.

How much waste? One fish and one shrimp enough?
Light I can do.
Iron and Mang. I can suppliment, I'm assuming...?

 

[PaxRoma]

wastes shouldn't be a problem. If you don't think your fish&shrimp produce enough waste, you can always overfeed them a bit.

 

[Kamel]

If you've got tangs anyway, you may consider growing them in your sump since going sexual wouldn't be a horrible thing (tangs would quickly control it). This would help lower your nitrates, and take advantage of your existing nitrate factory (your DT).

Maybe I'm missing something though...

 

[hvacman250]

If you've got tangs anyway, you may consider growing them in your sump since going sexual wouldn't be a horrible thing (tangs would quickly control it). This would help lower your nitrates, and take advantage of your existing nitrate factory (your DT).

Maybe I'm missing something though...

I shoudl have been more clear. My 100 gallon custom is still being fabricated, so a tang is at least 6 months down the road. The said tank will have a fuge and sump for nitrate/phosphate removal.

This is just a "display" macro tank for the fun of it.

And my tang of choice so far (by looks) is a Kole Yellow Eye Tang. Im assuming they eat caulerpa. Nowhere near ready to choose fish yet.