Newly cycled tank question

WeLoveReefers · Aug 24, 2014

So I set up a 30 gal tank to store frags and overgrowth from my other display tanks. I set it up 2 months ago with 30 lbs of live sand and 15 lbs of live rock. All parameters are in check however nitrates are at 10. What my question is id like to not have any fish whatsoever this way I can keep my tank clean and not have to worry about skimming. Is this doable? Will the coral lack certain beneficial bacteria and or nutrients from not having any fish? Are there certain steps I should take or consider having a coral only tank? Thanks in advance.

juggalogentry · Aug 24, 2014

ive often wondered this myself, anybody know the answer? Has anyone even ever tried this before?

leocom2000 · Aug 24, 2014

The skimmer is not just for fish. Corals also have metabolism. Plus addition of aeration. However, some people claim success without a skimmer and only do water changes.
Can you build an algae scrubber instead?

Dalmatia · Aug 24, 2014

If you keep up the normal water changes you can host almost anything up to I'd say a 40-50g tank

WeLoveReefers · Aug 25, 2014

Thanks for your input.

ReeferRookie · Aug 25, 2014

Im not sure many have tried it. Ive always seen a fish here or there you might be our first piorneer let us know how it goes ! And if worst does happen then just add a fish no. Big deal !!

tyler1503 · Aug 25, 2014

I was under the impression everyone was doing it this way not too long ago?No one had fish in their frag tanks/SPS tanks/coral only tanks because of the mess the fish can produce. I thought adding fish to frag tanks was a somewhat recent idea that cropped up because of the idea of having a bit of nitrate and phosphate is good, whereas before a bit of nutrients was seen as the worst thing in the world.
That was my understanding anyway lol.