10 Gal softie tank build

[LilCope]

Im starting a 10gallon softie tank and was looking for some advice on how to setup, maintain, etc. So far there is probably 5-8lbs of dry rock ( some cured, some not). I plan on running a 1gal HOB refugium for increased pod haven but mostly so that the macroalgae doesnt break apart and get stuck in the HOB filter (aquaclear 20) that im running for flow, carbon, and phosphate remover media.

i do want to keep it simple, so protein skimmer is out. No fish. possibly 1 skunk cleaner.

any suggestions for light, filtration, water change amounts, ideas, etc.?

[seabass]

Why no fish? They might actually help your coral.

 

With a fuge, a 1 gallon (10%) weekly water change should be enough.

 

Maybe a couple of PAR38 LED reef bulbs for lighting.

[dyazdani]

I ran a similar setup a few years ago except that I had an AquaClear 110 for the fuge. At that time, I had a compact fluorescent light and it was fine for softies.

 

I have a new 10G now, keeping a mixed reef, just have a HOB (Fluval C2). I agree with the basic LED lighting concept - I built mine from a Steve's LED kit. I change about 2 gallons per week.

 

I've found the simple setups work just fine - limiting the bioload as you plan should make it very easy to maintain.