Fish only tank.... Need rock?

paddyob · #1 03-29-2013, 03:26 PM

Just wondering, is live rock "needed" in a fish only tank?

Going to set up the tank just for my clown project. Just clowns. No coral.

Proteus · #2 03-29-2013, 03:51 PM

If not for any biological reasons I would have a small amount for comfort. I alway feel that the fish at lfs are a little stressed in just a bare tank. Kind of like a house being a home

toytech · #3 03-29-2013, 05:14 PM

I think you still need a media for bacteria to grow to break down the ammonia the clowns produce , you wont have to worry so much about nitrates so you could use any kind of filter.

sphelps · #4 03-29-2013, 05:24 PM

Nope not needed. Lots of commercial fish only displays use ornaments and zero actual rock. You'll just need some sort of bio-filter.

The Guy · #5 03-29-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

Nope not needed. Lots of commercial fish only displays use ornaments and zero actual rock. You'll just need some sort of bio-filter.

I just used a large Aquanova 2000 canister filter filled with live rock rubble, and delivers 500 gallons an hour through the tank. Another large filter choice would be an FX5 either filter works well.

paddyob · #6 03-29-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

Nope not needed. Lots of commercial fish only displays use ornaments and zero actual rock. You'll just need some sort of bio-filter.

Many use a sump system and all the rock is hidden.

sphelps · #7 03-29-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyob

Many use a sump system and all the rock is hidden.

Perhaps but that would be unusual, typically the sump would house a bio media like ceramic or plastic bio-balls since it's more effective and takes up less space.

paddyob · #8 03-30-2013, 05:48 AM

To be more specific. It's for the tanks for my attempt at clown breeding.

Is there a possibly the rock could harbor something detrimental to the breeding process?

ckmullin · #9 03-30-2013, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyob

To be more specific. It's for the tanks for my attempt at clown breeding.

Is there a possibly the rock could harbor something detrimental to the breeding process?

If there was anything just clean the rock in an acid wash. I'd have at least some sort of rock in the tank to give the fish something else to look @ than their reflections.