What do you think

[Anonymous]

I have been working with my tank all weekend. I have decided to go with a reef only tank for at least a year. I want to add a clean up crew and looking for suggestions. Also is there any problem with going reef only that I should be aware of?

Thanks

 

[zear0]

I've read in several places that running a reef with no fish is no problem at all. In fact I've heard of the following advantages:

1 - Its easier to target feed since fish wont be trying to steal the food.
2 - Nutrient control may be easier without fish who tend to be sloppy eaters
3 - You might even see some pretty interesting stuff grow out of your live rock that fish normally would eradicate...

With regards to a cleanup crew, you probably want to lean as reef safe as possible... Crabs and hermits may be more likely to pick at your coral since they wont be finding leftover fish food. I guess if you feed your coral, they may be able to munch on leftovers from that.

Snails work well, but be aware that some of the more popular cleanup snails can't rollover if they fall upside down onto a soft substrate. Astrea snails have this problem and will die if you dont make sure to help them flip over.

 

[Anonymous]

Reef only, as in no fish? Cool.

Fish or not, I would go heavy on snails. They give you the most bang for your buck in the algae removal department and don't harass or eat corals.


What kind of corals are you planning?

 

[Anonymous]

I know I want a bubble coral and from there I am still looking. I rushed once and killed everything this time I'm going to do it right. I will keep you posted on the coral as I find and add. I need more light first looking at MH but waiting for my budget to catch up with the price :lol:

Plus there is a lot of neat stuff showing up on my LR that I have no idea what it is. That should keep me busy for the next several weeks.

 

[Anonymous]

Plus there is a lot of neat stuff showing up on my LR that I have no idea what it is. That should keep me busy for the next several weeks.

Without fish predation, you can really see the life thrive on your rock. This should turn into an interesting tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok the tank is about to finish cycling. I am going to start out with my cleanup crew. I will order them next week. What is your favorites for clean up?