Tank Success

[TheReefer12]

What makes a tank succede? Just wondering what the key is in everyones opinion.

My opinion: water movement is most important

[110galreef]

SIZE! Bigger is easier. Maintains itself almost.

[Twitterbait]

The closer you can come to natural conditions the better. even allowing some of the bad stuff happen can yield interesting results (enter the chaos theory).

[VWD]

Bigger is better but not the thing that makes a tank work. Water changes, not over stocking and feeding the tank. Taking your time during the cycle and allowing the tank to mature over time. so many thing things come into play.

[reefBoyDc]

Patience, low import of nutrients, high export of nutrient. I agree with Vince that water changes are key.

[ChrisPrusha]

Another enthusiastic vote for water changes. Patience is so important, as well!

[xtopher]

I would say three things, water changes, good skimming, and patience

[skeety]

one answer: Good husbandry! (reef care habits)


but what does that entail? I agree with everything so far.

Water changes.

Patience.

Mastering nutrient exports vs imports.

The flow and lighting are specific to whatever critters you have...but all the above things come first.

Size helps make sucess easier...but really has nothing to do with having a sucessful tank, so much as good husbandry given whatever size tank you have. Many people have nano tanks that knock the socks off some of the 300+ gallon tanks I've seen. And vice versa.

Do you have a more specific question? Are you having a specific problem or not having luck in a certain area? We' be glad to help. Or are you just trying to get a general feel of the hobby?

[TheReefer12]

I am just trying to figure out why mine is working. I have had a 30 gal tank for 2 years and I only have a Seaclone 100 skimmer, a millenium 3000 power filter, and 4 powerheads. I do a water change once a month. It just seems that I dont really have enough to be running my tank but it seems to be working. Am I going to run into problems down the road?

Thanks,
Brian

[Loverotties]

Originally Posted by xtopher

I would say three things, water changes, good skimming, and patience

I agree with this in this order!

[110galreef]

Originally Posted by TheReefer12

I am just trying to figure out why mine is working. I have had a 30 gal tank for 2 years and I only have a Seaclone 100 skimmer, a millenium 3000 power filter, and 4 powerheads. I do a water change once a month. It just seems that I dont really have enough to be running my tank but it seems to be working. Am I going to run into problems down the road?

Thanks,
Brian

Now many will cringe when they hear this, so be warned:

Same here, I have a 110gal reef, every 4-6wk 15% water changes w/ tap water, wet-dry w/ BIO balls, (did put new ones in at 1 1/2 yrs), and an aqua c PS.

I have had great luck with a simple setup. Never a hint of algae, only problem was once nitrates crept up, but replaced BIO Balls and all is good again. Many of the "hard" to keep stuff has done fine. I use no Kalk, no drips, no RO, no CLS, no tunze no fancy stuff. Simple overflow wet/dry with two returns and a PS.

Now some of the above stuff I wouldn't mind, but haven't had it for three years so????

If what you have works then stick with it!

[110galreef]

I think not Overstocking and not overfeeding has to be key. As well as ample clean up crittters.

These have been my....I guess main keys. Since I don't do all the other important keys most do so great a job at!

[VWD]

Glad to hear your tank is doing great. I also have tanks that do great. I do regular water changes , skim and never overstock or over feed and don't look for instant fix alls.