Fish only live rock question

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Josh116, Oct 1, 2011.

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  1. Josh116

    Josh116 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    hi, I started a reef tank and have a ton of live rock in it and I fully understand the benefits of live rock. So I guess this question doesn't really apply to me, I am just curious.


    In a fish only tank how important is live rock. I have seen many aquariums without rock work in the tank. what keeps these tanks healthy? without live rock what kind of filtration is required?

    In the futrue I might want to start a second tank and I wouldn't mind something to contrast the busy look of my main tank. maybe something without alot of live rock. I guess im just trying to get a feel for whats involved when live rock is not used, and if it would even be worth gettin into.


    thanks alot
    Josh
     
    Josh116, Oct 1, 2011
    Josh116, Oct 1, 2011
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  2. tom.n.day

    tom.n.day Eyelash Blennie

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    Because it isn't in the tank, doesn;t mean it isn;t in the sump.

    How much is "a lot"?
     
    tom.n.day, Oct 1, 2011
    tom.n.day, Oct 1, 2011
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Without live rock you need a filter to provide a place for ammonia and nitrite removal.
     
    2in10, Oct 1, 2011
    2in10, Oct 1, 2011
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  4. DaDaAtlanta

    DaDaAtlanta Feather Star

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    like the others said, if its not in the tank, its in the sump or filter. The function of the LR is the same same function of biomedia in a canister or live rock or bioballs in a sump.
     
    DaDaAtlanta, Oct 1, 2011
    DaDaAtlanta, Oct 1, 2011
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  5. Josh116

    Josh116 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    tom.n.day - that is very true, I guess I never thought of that
    whats your question about "how much is a lot?" are you talking about whats already in my existing aquarium or what I consider alot for my future aquarium.



    2in10 - are you talking about more then the sump with skimmer etc. would I have to add a canister filter also? If so that kills the "no live rock" idea
     
    Josh116, Oct 1, 2011
    Josh116, Oct 1, 2011
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  6. Josh116

    Josh116 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I understand what it's used for I guess I was just wondering what direction I would have to go if I didn't use it.

    The only reason I am considering it is becuase I would love to set up a 150g or larger fish only tank and if I follow the one pound per gallon rule for the live rock that would get very expensive. plus it's just not really the look I was going for.
     
    Josh116, Oct 1, 2011
    Josh116, Oct 1, 2011
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  7. Ryland

    Ryland Stylophora

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    Rules are made to be bent/broken. I am not a big fan of the lb/gallon theory. While I agree nitrifying bacteria needs a place to live this doesnt mean it has to be in 150 lbs of live rock. I am not saying this to you for you to think you can run out and drop 10 lbs of live rock in a 150 and think things are good. However, good things can happen in a large sump/fuge.
     
    Ryland, Oct 1, 2011
    Ryland, Oct 1, 2011
    #7