Minimalist aquascape in reef tank

[devin.reed2000]

I know the general consensus for live rock is around 1-1.5lb per gallon, but I’m a fan of a minimalist scape. I’d like to keep it the way it is, but is it necessary to add more rock to my scape? I have 2 ocellaris clowns, a YWG, and a pistol shrimp. I plan to get more fish (probably some fish that like living in open water as opposed to in caves). Also, I have plenty of Maxspect Bioballs in the tank’s filter to account for less live rock in the display. My rockscape is below.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I was asking about this a week or two ago. Speaking with some experienced reefers on and off here, the consensus was no, although people will disagree. But you should really let your tank establish itself before adding more fish and coral to it. Like REALLY slow play it. Then add one fish at a time, keep an eye on your numbers, see how the tank responds. If your natural biofiltration is handling the increased bio load after a month or two, then try another. When your numbers start climbing, hold off and let the tank continue to mature and/or increase nutrient export.

 

[MoshJosh]

Probably fine IMO. You’ll have bio filtration in the sand and likely in the filter (if you run biomedia.

 

[devin.reed2000]

Probably fine IMO. You’ll have bio filtration in the sand and likely in the filter (if you run biomedia.

Technically the biomedia I have is “equivalent to 80lb of live rock”. Even at half that, that’s more than 1lb of live rock per gallon.

 

[KaiPono]

Good to know I’m not alone! Loving the NSA look in my 20g nano, offsetting with MarinePure Gems in the sump. I’ve been dosing phyto to build a good population of pods before adding a clown pair this week. Hoping my numbers all stay manageable…

 

[devin.reed2000]

Good to know I’m not alone! Loving the NSA look in my 20g nano, offsetting with MarinePure Gems in the sump. I’ve been dosing phyto to build a good population of pods before adding a clown pair this week. Hoping my numbers all stay manageable…

Nice! I got a clay flowerpot for my clowns and they love it! They started hanging out in it a few hours after I got it. I’d recommend that unless you will get an anemone down the road.