Dumb Question

[brooke]

What is the big difference between a fish only set up and a reef tank. I know the "fish only" part But I'm talking about filtration and live rock. Do you need to have live rock in a fish only tank? Is the filtering system any simpler for a fish only set up?

[scubadude]

What is the big difference between a fish only set up and a reef tank. I know the "fish only" part But I'm talking about filtration and live rock. Do you need to have live rock in a fish only tank? Is the filtering system any simpler for a fish only set up?

Hi brooke
Thats actually a really good question, I am glad you asked it!
A fish only (aka FO) tank can be categorized into two different categories, or atleast how most ppl look at it. FO w/out any live rock or a FOWLR (Fish only with live rock) The live rock is a natural filter for the tank once it is cycled and established so the FOWLR would require less extensive mechanical filtration, whereas a FO w/out any LR might require a bit more mechanical filtration. This has alot to do with your taste and your budget in your tank. As far as a reef tank w/LR and corals you definately need more fine tuned husbandry skills. For example most corals will not tolerate as much nitrates as most fish will thus allowing for a more forgiving system if its only fish. I personally dont see the appeal in a FO tank w/out any LR and highly advise people to start with LR and that way they can always adapt to a full blown reef tank on down the road if they get the itch. HTH