3 Gallon Reef Tank

Right now I'm getting the 36 watt (2x18W) deluxe coralife CF, and have a Rio 50 powerhead, and the stock Eclipse 3 gal filter w/ bio-wheel. However, once i get the light on there, i'm not gonna want the filter and rim in the way, and i was wondering if just the water flow and 4 lbs LR and 3 lbs live sand (with the pool filter sand its about 3-4 in thick) would be enough for filtration and i can ditch the bio-wheel setup and go rimless.

 

In a 3 gallon, I'd think you'd be fine w/ no filter, as long as you do consitent 1/2 gallon or so water changes and have enough flow. No skimmer, huh? I'd ditch that pool filter sand for some aragonite with buffering capability.

 

+1 on the sand for sure. The more you can make something that small a little more stable the better.

 

Well i was under the impression that with a tank so small a skimmer wouldn't be necessary. Also, I have about 3 lbs of pool sand with 2 lbs live sand on top of it. Again, i was under the impression that the "life" in the rock and sand would spread to the pool sand. However, the internet can be so misleading nowadays.

 

It will become live sand for sure. But that's not what the buffering means. Argonite will actually help stabilize your PH and alkalinity. Just a little something extra.