Theoretical Tank Setup Question

[themadride]

I'm planning a new tank to begin in a few months. I have a theoretical question about filtration.

 

I know several successful reef keepers who use a refugium as the only form of filtration in their systems. If I understand correctly though, a refugium really only serves two purposes:

- A: Hidden area to keep unsightly but beneficial algae and organisms.

- B: A place for pods to grow and propogate without being disturbed/eaten by tank inhabitants.

 

Now, based on those presumed facts....(correct me if I'm wrong) here is my question.

 

If I had:

- Enough live rock (est. 3lbs per gallon +)

- Some beneficial algae in the main tank

- Plenty of surface area for gas exchange (read longer than usual tank for size)

- Several powerheads for good flow

- Very small bioload (est. 1 small fish per 8-12 gallons.)

.......Is it possible that I could do without ANY other form of filtration??? No HOB..No overflow...No Sump...No Skimmer etc.

 

1) Is it realistic? 2) Is it possible in theory?

 

THANKS GUYS!

[lakshwadeep]

1-1.5 pounds per gallon is all you need. 3 pounds per gallon would severely limit swimming space for the fish.

 

Actually, for 5 years (off and on), I've kept a few (or no) fish in my 20 high with a couple of rocks and no external equipment; only powerheads and a thermometer are in the tank. As long as you bioload and feeding is proportional, you should have the most simple setup short of a sunlit tank.

[PoopCola]

yes

as long as you keep up with your water changes!

 

but why?

 

IMO hang on back filters are awsome

[yeast]

A refugium also serves to reduce pH swings at night if it is run on a reverse cycle.

[jeremai]

1) Is it realistic? 2) Is it possible in theory?

It is more than realistic, it's how most of us did our first tanks. Refugiums, filters, skimmers... all are nice to have and arguably make keeping a tank easier, but none of them are necessary. All you really need is good rock, a small bioload and frequent small water changes and you'll be good to go.

[neanderthalman]

It is more than realistic, it's how most of us did our first tanks. Refugiums, filters, skimmers... all are nice to have and arguably make keeping a tank easier, but none of them are necessary. All you really need is good rock, a small bioload and frequent small water changes and you'll be good to go.

 

 

+1

[themadride]

Thanks for the input everyone.