Fish In A Reef Tank

[straightjiggy10]

I was wondering if there are any pros or cons to not having any fish in a reef tank?

Is there any reasons you should or shouldn't put fish in?

AND WHY? Please feel free to explain theories, story's or experiences on this topic?

 

[2004turbo]

If you don't have fish in there there is no need for a skimmer since there is near zero waste in the water. Had I gone the fishless route I'd have saved a lot of money between my skimmer and fuge set-up. I prefer the looks and movement that fish have though.

 

[straightjiggy10]

But wouldn't you still have to feed corals?>

 

[reefnewbe]

coral only displays are beautiful but i feel you need a fish or 2 to make it complete.
(like having butterfly & bees in a garden).

 

[artie1209]

I respectfully disagree with no fish no skimmer necessary. It is less important but still necessary. corals still need some nutrients and that creates wastes. I used to have 3 fish in a 150 gallon tank. I now have 16 fish in a 120 and my tank has never been better. With no fish you tend to think your reef more of a garden. Fish force you to look at your set up daily and that closer scrutiny helps lead to success. Put a few fish in you will not regret it. Of course do a little research before adding and remember to quarantine before adding to tank. Especially Tangs. Good luck.

 

[straightjiggy10]

Well my fish are in quarantine now and i have a 120G fish less and it looks awesome without any fish in there (better than when i had fish in there) and i am curious is it good for corals to mix in with fish or do they thrive more without

 

[qy7400]

Corals still need food and produce waste so a skimmers still needed.

I'm also one of those small group of reefers who feeds heavy, twice a day everyday. Nature is brutal and IMO a full belly gives everything better survival rates. Corals do not live on light alone, they do need food and detritus is one of their food sources.

 

[straightjiggy10]

i too spot feed

 

[D1J8Z]

yes fish are essential to the reef just choose the right ones and right amount

 

[straightjiggy10]

okay anyone else have any 2cents?

 

[ocholoco]

hey

When have you seen an ocean with out fish???? The purposed of this hobby is to have a small part of the ocean in our homes, have you ever heard of food chain????? Somehow corals have to get something out of fish in order for them to do good. IMO with out fish you are just running a salt water garden not an aquarium.

 

[straightjiggy10]

I agree but what do they have to get from fish and vise verse?

 

[ocholoco]

hey

I just said IMO, I aint no marine biologist. lol.... Seriously it just looks a lil retarted, Lets say example, A family member that you havent seen in 5 years decides to come and visit and walks into your house and say " what a beautiful fish tank you have there" and after 1 minute of looking at the tank the person say "hey where's fish?" what are you going to tell them?? "I'm running a salt water garden" :bablefishI would just love to be there.lol...

 

[D1J8Z]

symbiotic relationship If my brain is working correctly that might help answer your question

 

[straightjiggy10]

i understand dont get confused im not for no fis in reef im just curious on the science and opinions behind it

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Fish poop.

 

[D1J8Z]

corals can not eat seaweed and other plant life fish eat this and poop it out in a form where the coral can now use it as food and then use the power of the plant to help with photosynthesis