SPS grow tank - best option

specialk · Jan 9, 2019

Hey All

So I am breaking down my 125 because I have to take a job down south for 3 months. Going to just take all my sps and move them into a smaller grow out tank. Was thinking of a simple 55.

My question is .. I am assuming I still have to have a sump for filtration right? Or get a hang on the back skimmer? Not sure what I need for this.

Also, my other option was a huge rubbermaid bin in which I could just plop the skimmer right in the bin and set up the corals right there in the same bin? I believe I have seen something like this online before

Just looking for the simplest way to get this going and not effect the corals obviously

thanks

hbrochs · Jan 9, 2019

Why not just automate your existing tank as much as possible?

Big E · Jan 9, 2019

Are any of the acros hard to replace, unique? Won't this be a recurring problem with your job or is 3 months uncommon?

I would think hard about just selling the acros as they'll be hard to keep alive or suffer without you being there. You're liable to incur losses just because of a long absence. An only acro setup is going to decline over that time without nutrient input.

Maybe just keep frags of your favorites and have a friend home them and sell the colonies or easy to replace pieces.

specialk · Jan 9, 2019

hbrochs said:
Why not just automate your existing tank as much as possible?

I am also due to move out of my place in May anyways .. so was taking the tank down unfortunately. The next place I live, will be my permanent spot

specialk · Jan 9, 2019

Big E said:
Are any of the acros hard to replace, unique? Won't this be a recurring problem with your job or is 3 months uncommon?

I would think hard about just selling the acros as they'll be hard to keep alive or suffer without you being there. You're liable to incur losses just because of a long absence. An only acro setup is going to decline over that time without nutrient input.

Maybe just keep frags of your favorites and have a friend home them and sell the colonies or easy to replace pieces.

Yah .. been buying frags and growing them (even bought some from you...lol) for the end goal of having big colonies for my 300 rimless I will eventually move into when I get into a permanent home.

I also have dosing pumps all set up as well for nutrients and stable #s. Also have people who can check on things for me when I am gone, as well as GF who knows enough to help and maintain tank when I do leave again

Graffiti Spot · Jan 9, 2019

I use a 10 gallon rubbermaid with rock filled halfway up and a coral rack on top of it. I got tired of things and wanted to simplify. I have an external skimmer, powerheads, 2 400w radiums and a gravity fed top off. And I have been hand dosing daily til I feel the need to setup the large kalk stirrer and ato I was using before.

Big E · Jan 9, 2019

specialk said:
Yah .. been buying frags and growing them (even bought some from you...lol) for the end goal of having big colonies for my 300 rimless I will eventually move into when I get into a permanent home.

I also have dosing pumps all set up as well for nutrients and stable #s. Also have people who can check on things for me when I am gone, as well as GF who knows enough to help and maintain tank when I do leave again

Ok, that's cool if you're ok with your GF and freinds to babysit.

Yes, I know you have a few of mine