Filtration for 5g reef only tank

Eug40 · 05/21/2018, 11:42 AM

Wanted to setup an empty 5g tank that I had lying around, to hold all my zoas. It came with a simple HOB filter. I put water and some rock from my main tank in there. I also placed chaeto in one of the chambers of the HOB filter trying to convert it into a mini sump. Is there anything else I need?

FoxFace Fish · 05/21/2018, 12:05 PM

light for the Chaeto and flow in the tank otherwise a solid idea

Eug40 · 05/21/2018, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoxFace Fish

light for the Chaeto and flow in the tank otherwise a solid idea

How much light does chaeto need? The filter is clear and the light from my tank will indirectly reach it through the glass and the clear filter... On my ATI unit I have a refugium light attached by magnets. This tank came with a lid with a a single LED strip. The specs say 12v, 3.4 W. Is this enough for the zoas? If not, what If I move the frag rack higher?

Just wondering what else, if anything, I will need to make this work.

FoxFace Fish · 05/21/2018, 12:52 PM

1. Chaeto in simple term needs as much light as you can give it mine receive 24-hour lighting (don't go overboard on intensity though)
2. zoas are pretty tough and I am nowhere near an expert I do not even keep zoas. you could try you will be able to tell if they need more light. hopefully someone with more zoa knowledge chims in

AlSimmons · 05/21/2018, 01:01 PM

I wouldn't even bother with the Chaeto. With a tank this small and a compartment that size I just don't see it accomplishing much. The pods might like it, but it's not like your going to put a Mandarin in this tank. Just keep things simple and you should be fine.

RobZilla04 · 05/21/2018, 01:11 PM

That chaeto isn't even worth trying to keep. The amount of nutrients it will absorb in a month can simply be eliminated by doing a 2.5g water change in 5 min. Toss it and just go with a mechanical filter and/or maybe a poly pad.

sde1500 · 05/21/2018, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlSimmons

I wouldn't even bother with the Chaeto. With a tank this small and a compartment that size I just don't see it accomplishing much. The pods might like it, but it's not like your going to put a Mandarin in this tank. Just keep things simple and you should be fine.

I agree with this, if all you want is zoas def no need to be trying to grow chaeto.

mcgyvr · 05/22/2018, 06:02 AM

Ditch the HOB..
Maintain proper water parameters via water changes alone..
You just need a powerhead to create some water movement.

Small water changes are all you need...

05/21/2018, 12:05 PM	#2
FoxFace Fish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 435	light for the Chaeto and flow in the tank otherwise a solid idea __________________ FoxFace RabbitFish For Life Everyone in this hobby has made a mistake at least once. Be smart and learn from others mistakes Current Tank Info: Reason I am broke as a joke

05/21/2018, 12:52 PM	#4
FoxFace Fish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 435	1. Chaeto in simple term needs as much light as you can give it mine receive 24-hour lighting (don't go overboard on intensity though) 2. zoas are pretty tough and I am nowhere near an expert I do not even keep zoas. you could try you will be able to tell if they need more light. hopefully someone with more zoa knowledge chims in __________________ FoxFace RabbitFish For Life Everyone in this hobby has made a mistake at least once. Be smart and learn from others mistakes Current Tank Info: Reason I am broke as a joke

05/21/2018, 01:11 PM	#6
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	That chaeto isn't even worth trying to keep. The amount of nutrients it will absorb in a month can simply be eliminated by doing a 2.5g water change in 5 min. Toss it and just go with a mechanical filter and/or maybe a poly pad. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

05/22/2018, 06:02 AM	#8
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Ditch the HOB.. Maintain proper water parameters via water changes alone.. You just need a powerhead to create some water movement. Small water changes are all you need... __________________ Who me?

05/21/2018, 01:01 PM	#5
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	I wouldn't even bother with the Chaeto. With a tank this small and a compartment that size I just don't see it accomplishing much. The pods might like it, but it's not like your going to put a Mandarin in this tank. Just keep things simple and you should be fine.