Aqua C Remora Pro & Bioload question

[Anonymous]

I have an Aqua C Remora Pro with Mag 5 pump for my 50 gallon tank. Current inhabitants are Maroon Clown (2"), Coral Beauty (which will be removed eventually), Snowflake eel (8"), and a Lionfish (2"). There are also hermits and snails.

I think the skimmer should be sufficient for now, but eventually when all the fishes grow up the skimmer may not be enough. I talked to the owner at the LFS and he said since I have predators in my tank the skimmer may have difficulty keeping up.

My question is, is he right that the skimmer won't handle the bioload? How would I know if the skimmer is sufficient or not?

 

[trido]

IMO your LFS is correct. Eventually you may need a better skimmer as well as a larger tank.

 

[Anonymous]

hello neighbor, thanks for your input. I'm still in the learning process and I know I've made a lot of newbie mistakes. I'm trying to learn how plumbing works and came across your tank. Very nice tank btw.

How would I know if my skimmer isn't keeping up with the bioload? Will I find out from Nitrate tests showing higher lev

 

[cindre2000]

Insufficient filtration can rear its head in a lot of different ways. Algae blooms, discolored water, cloudy water, fish disease, poor coral health, high nitrates, high nitrites, high ammonia...

Problem is, I do not know of a good hang on skimmer for a tank with a heavy bioload. You may want to think of drilling the tank, or upgrading to a drilled tank when you start to exhibit the afore mentioned problems down the road. With a sump you can put in a much more powerful skimmer as well as a refugium, rdsb, or any other form of filtration.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for answering my questions

 

[Kevin1000]

My 02

A Remora Pro is ample for that size tank.

As far as stocking levels ... filtration only does so much ... put 12 guys in one room and it really doesn't matter how often you vacuum the floor.

 

[trido]

As far as stocking levels ... filtration only does so much ... put 12 guys in one room and it really doesn't matter how often you vacuum the floor.

Excellent analogy.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for the input everyone. I'll keep an eye out for excess bioload symptoms. I wanted an anemone and clams but in due time my water quality will go down. Until then I'll be planning a second tank. Probably a FOWL tank and the 50 gallon will remain a reef with the clown and possibly a few wrasse.

I estimate I have about 8 months give or take 2 months till I will reach that problem. For the FOWL I will have the Antennata Lionfish and Snowflake Eel in there. I'd like to add another aggressive fish. I've read about Triggers snippin at Lionfishes, and if that's the case I may go for something else. I wouldn't mind having a few tangs in there. What size tank would you think is suitable for this?

 

[cindre2000]

300g :lol:

 

[cindre2000]

Seriously, minimum size for most full grown tangs is 6ft. Yellow tangs, scopas tangs, and select bristletooth tangs can be kept in a 4ft. A 125g is fairly common and easy to get, it is 6ft*18"*20". Even so, I know a lot of individuals are keeping tangs in 75g and 120g (4'*2'*2') aquariums.

 

[Anonymous]

300g :lol:

I would agree that 300 gallons is sufficient but that's highly unlikely right now. Tangs are one of my favorite but they do get large. Kole Tang is an option that will keep down on the crowdedness. I'll look for a 6' like you recommended.

I found one on craiglist for a great deal but I was a little too late.

thanks for your input