STOCKING CAPACITY

[briansreeftank19660426]

which tank set up would provide greater tank stocking capacity in a fish only tank no reef.
a 75 gallon tank with dsb , skimmer, wet dry. a few pieces of live rock 20lbs
or
same tank except no filter?
am i on trck by saying nitrates and water quality would be lower with no wet dry however stocking levels would be less.
the trade off would be stock more fish but do more water changes
VS
stock less fish but do many fewer water changes..

 

[rhomer]

I have heard that statement before, this is not a question that will get a definitive answer.
I beleive that you can stock more, but you should expect more work, ie water changes and general maintenance. I'm sure there are many here that will disagree, and beleive that you should stick by the (1" per 5 gallon rule) no matter what.

 

[blondenaso1]

The setup with the wet/dry would allow you stock more fish. Water changes are only a temporary solution to high nitrates and poor water quality. You would be better off with the wet/dry, without, you would reach a point where water changes would not help.

 

[blondenaso1]

I must have misunderstood the question. I thought he was asking what would allow him to stock more fish wet/dry vs no wet/dry, but I missed the part about the skimmer. Never mind I retract my statement, but I do see the wet/dry used in conjunction with a bio filter as a back up. If something happens to the bio filter the wet/dry will be there to maintain the water parameters. He is also talking about using a small bio filter. With as little lr as he wants to put and a dsb I think a wet/dry would be a good idea. Some feel that wet/dries raise nitrate levels, but I feel that if the system is maitained properly this will not be an issue.

 

[wamp]

Throw those ideas out the window and build a sump and put your live rock in it. Add a little to the display tank for decoration. Run your skimmer in the sump. Use the sump for your filter. Add a layer of Live sand to your tank and ... Bham! you got yourself a natrul filter that you dont have to worry about.
Good Luck!

 

[kris walker]

I agree with wamp. And I would even go further by adding a bunch of different caulerpa types in the sump as well (which therefore requires keeping the sump lighted either 24/7 or during photoperiod).
kris

 

[von_rahvin]

i would make a refugium inside the sump and there you go. Wet/dry's are not reall all that good IMO, having a DSB with LR and a skimmer is much better for the overall water quality.

 

[kris walker]

Hey Von_Rahvin,
What's the difference between a sump and a refugium? I've never had this system before and so I don't really know the proper terminology. I've always sort of thought they were the same thing.
Thanks,
kris

 

[fshhub]

a refugium creates refuge for critters and or plants, the sump is pretty much just a sump, not algae or pods needed
with a refugium you have a place to grow and harvest algae for your vegetarians and pods to help clean the water even more, as well as providing food for your creatures too
HTH