40g Breeder FOWLR with Macroalgae

Hey Everyone,

I seem to be stuck in an awful cycle of going between 1 and 2 tanks. Currently, I have 29g biocube reef in my bedroom, but I hate not having a tank in my living room.

The reason I keep getting rid of my 2nd tank is because I simply don't have time to maintain 2 reef tanks because I basically split my time between Philly and the NYC area.However, I think I have a solution that will work pretty well and wanted to get thoughts on how to keep it as hassle free as possible.

My plan is to start up my 40g breeder again as a FOWLR with Macroalgae in the display. I really hate the look of hair algae, etc, but I think that if I had a display full of macros, it would help to naturally keep the nitrates and phosphates at 0. I'm thinking some dragon's breath, mermaid's fan, halimedia, etc

Additionally, I have a sump on the tank and would run my 90g skimmer and chaeto in the sump (since its not ideal for a display).


I'm thinking that between the LR and all of the macros/ skimmer, I should have some pretty awesome filtration, which will allow it to be very simple maintenance. I will also keep fish that will accept flake/pellet food on occasion, so I can use an auto-feeder when I'm not home.

So what do you guys think? Is there anything else that would help to make it even easier to maintain?

 

no thoughts?

 

I think that sounds like a good plan to me

 

I like your idea, but I actually think you should just grow the macro in the sump. Otherwise it will just be more maintenance to keep it all in check.

 

I like the idea. The folks at lionfish lair use alot of macro in their DT's and it looks great. Just pack it full of algae and it should help your nitrates out alot. Theres alot of great species out there, and some pretty colorful ones. Flame algae can add some great coloration

 

I don't mind a little trimming here and there and I would choose macro's that don't grow as quickly. I'm going to avoid caulerpa, as I don't want runners everywhere or it going sexual

 

Good point- I'll have to talk to them and see if they have reco's

 

Pass along the information if you don't mind