Could I keep nitrates low in a small reef w/o refugium?

[JLAudio]

Im currently starting up a 36 corner reef and due to the small stand size I was thinking of not using a fuge. I will be using a phosphate reactor, Aqua C remore skimmer (pending deal on MR), a sump (as big as I can fit in stand, probably 5-7 gallons).

I will be using RODI water and doing 5 gallon changes a week. I have around 50 lbs of rock and 40 of sand. I plan on keeping mostly corals and maybe two or three small goby sized fish.

Could I get away with maybe putting some nitrate sponge in a seperate reactor? Or is there any way to keep this down with out a denitrator or fuge?

 

[KathyC]

You need not have a sump or a fuge to keep nitrates low. Practice good husbandry and keep your fish load low, and you're there.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Frequent water changes should keep everything in check. 5 gallons every 2 weeks should be fine.

 

[Bob 1000]

OOOOOooooooooorrrrrrrr you could put some lr in your sump and attach some seaweed of some sort....:scratchch

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Unless you really overfeed, with the info you provided, your system should not be high in nitrate.

 

[marki24]

U will be fine i have a 37 gallon and do water changes sometimes every week but at most every 2 weeks and have SPS and i am good.

 

[JLAudio]

OOOOOooooooooorrrrrrrr you could put some lr in your sump and attach some seaweed of some sort....:scratchch

Yea but than I have to do the light in the sump and a 36 corner geneva stand is rediculously small as far as a cabinet, so I am trying to avoid fuge if all possible.

 

[Bob 1000]

Oh okay...

 

[NYreefNoob]

If You Are Going To Have A Sump Why Dont You Put Some Mangroves In It ? Or Cheato. You Can Get A Clip On Light For It

 

[JLAudio]

If You Are Going To Have A Sump Why Dont You Put Some Mangroves In It ? Or Cheato. You Can Get A Clip On Light For It

im gonna see how much room I have after pumps, heater and reactor are in there. I only have about 15"x10" so I am thinking maybe some chaeto in a net bag and a light if I can fit it.

 

[chazertis]

i agree. water changes will be best in a tank that size. and avoid overfeeding