Equipment down grade

[MadReefer]

I was wondering if anyone can see any downside to this approach. I find that I enjoy the fish more than the coral. Maybe because they just don’t thrive although they do survive. I was considering to get rid of the RR tank and go with a regular tank. I would omit the sump and phosban reactor along with the in-sump skimmer. I would replace with a large canister filter and HOB skimmer. The only corals I have are bubble, frogspawn, hammer, shrooms and a few leathers. Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

 

[Hawkeye]

Is this approach going against what your avatar tell us?

Strictly from a technical point of view you will be decreasing the total volume of the tank. Some would consider that a "downside".

Frankly - in my opinion I'd go with whatever fits your schedule/comfort level. As I recall you had a thriving tank that was non-rr - so you obviously know the limits/advantages to such a set up.

Go for it!

 

[Phyl]

I'd be inclined to start off with just removing the PO4 reactor and skimmer. See how things fare. Your fish, probably more than the corals will benefit from the added oxygenation created by using the sump.

 

[AngelPete]

I absolutely would not replace a sump and skimmer with a canister filter. your nitrates will skyrocket from lack of good skimming and besides canisters are nitrate factories

 

[blange3]

So putting my response into perspective; who is the lowest tech reefer on NJRC? ;D Bill!

Keep the sump, loose the phosban or replace it with carbon. Don't overstock, feed as much as you want and relax.

The sump is a great place to keep all the junk you don't want to see in you tank. Cannister filters are more work not less.

The corals you have should be pretty low maintenance, just don't add more. Change the water a little more often and forget about supplements. In the long run weekly or every other week water changes are less work than the constant testing supplementing retesting cycle.

Sit back, have a drink and watch the tank.

That's what I do!

 

[NJ_ychung1]

i also vote keep rr with sump. get rid of other gadgets except the skimmer. if you are inclined to go non-rr tank then get rid of corals and do fowlr.

 

[Baxreefs]

+ ... er ... 8 ... 9 ... or ... whatever

Keep the RR & sump well worth it to keep it and not worth the effort to remove them. Keep the skimmer too.

Whatever you do, sit back and enjoy it!

 

[Phyl]

I ran my 65 with some hardy softies and no skimmer for years. You COULD do just the sump and the tank. I wouldn't get rid of the sump though. Then you have to worry about topping off directly to the tank, etc.

 

[albie611]

i also say keep the sump and skimmer....when and if you sell the po4 reactor , put me first in line.

 

[crazinezz978]

I would actually suggest against a RR.

I had one [sumpless system] running for over 2 years and its much easier and low-maintenance. A floatswitch in the tank, and topping off wont be a problem. A skimmer like a Remora Pro could also work, but any HOB skimmer really. Also, a HOB refugium along with plenty of LR would be a great way to keep it simple and have one less thing to worry. Atleast, thats what had worked for me in the past.








[edit - fixed againST and added [sumpless system]] -- Phyl

 

[crazinezz978]

i meant Against***

 

[MadReefer]

Thanks everyone for your input. I am locking the thread and will have to decide what I will do next.