Tank Trials: Ultra Low Maintenance Tanks | BRStv Investigates

randyBRS · Dec 1, 2017

Welcome to BRStv Investigates - Tank Trials, a new series where we take everything we know about reefing, develop some methods and theories and put them to the test on real reef tanks!

To get this new series started we will be striving to create the ultimate Ultra Low Maintenance (ULM) tank setup for three tank types; Softies & Polyps; LPS; and SPS dominant!

What's even better about this series is that YOU, the Reefing Community, will drive the conversation as well have direct input in how we approach the Tank Trials series! Throughout this series we will be relying on the Reef2Reef and YouTube community to give your input on what qualifies as a ULM from everything like ULM sump design, ULM ATO and much more!

So, get ready to join the next evolution of BRStv with BRStv Investigates: Tank Trials!

randyBRS · Dec 1, 2017

ULM Tank Trials Ep-1: What is Ultra Low Maintenance? | BRStv

This week's questions:

-What does ULM mean to you and what do you hope to see related to that?

-What brand, size and shape of tank do you think qualifies as a ULM tank and why?

Ryanbrs · Dec 1, 2017

Excited to see how these tanks progress and the almost certanly awesome ideas the r2r community comes up with : )

SDReefer · Dec 1, 2017

Great idea!

Crabs McJones · Dec 1, 2017

Looks like a great idea and should be very interesting to watch

Excited to see how this progresses

Mohammad D. ALMUTAIRI · Dec 1, 2017

so you guys from here on, gonna run tank as lazy as it possible to run them.
is that what you mean.
or does this mean, running a tank with less work to do, like automatic everything that the tank and it's inhabitants need.

Ryanbrs · Dec 1, 2017

Mohammad D. ALMUTAIRI said:
so you guys from here on, gonna run tank as lazy as it possible to run them.
is that what you mean.
or does this mean, running a tank with less work to do, like automatic everything that the tank and it's inhabitants need.

The goal in this specific series is to spend more time enjoying our tanks and less time on potentially unnecessary tasks

. We will see where that takes us but the goal is always responsible reef keeping and awesome long-term results.

In the end, if we can reduce the tanks dependence on tasks the care taker doesn't enjoy we will almost certainly increase the chances of long-term success.

Mohammad D. ALMUTAIRI · Dec 1, 2017

Ryanbrs said:
The goal in this specific series is to spend more time enjoying our tanks and less time on potentially unnecessary tasks . We will see where that takes us but the goal is always responsible reef keeping and awesome long-term results.

In the end, if we can reduce the tanks dependence on tasks the care taker doesn't enjoy we will almost certainly increase the chances of long-term success.

as it's stand, because of you am a better reefer, and a fish keeper in general.
so I'll be following a long with this new project as I now understand what you mean by it.

and my first input in the subject as a task I hate doing, and I feel I want away from is water change and the need for it to start with.
2nd after that would be the sand bed and the use of it. I like it in some part and dislike it in other parts (cleaning it is one of these hate parts)

thanks a lot for everything you do for us reefers and the important input you add to the reefing community.

revhtree · Dec 1, 2017

This is gonna be huge!! Excited!!!

Newb73 · Dec 1, 2017

My List:

1)AWC with a large resovoir=Least maintenance.
2) Chaeto is better than carbon dosing.
3) GFO ans GAC are still easy.
4) A controller is a must have.
5) 2 main pumps are better than one (if one dies it's not an emergency).
6) Automatic/renote monitoring of everything you can. PH, Salinity, ORP, Temp, PAR, flo, leak points even DO
7) Use a 6 stage water saver and booster pump to 75psi=Less waiting around when making water.
8)Auto feeders but only for half the nutritional needs...still gotta do frozen and Mr. Chilli
9) LEDs...no bulb or heat issues.
10) The trident for alk,ca,mg is probably gonna eventually make the lost.
11) Ca reactor or dosing pumps no manual dosing.
12) Don’t skim, too maintenance intensive. Hook an ozone genetaror to it, turn it down so it doesnt skim and let it run.
13) Run a nitrate reactor, they are zero maintenance for year(s) at a time.
14) Filter socks....im not sold on roller mat....yet. But i do q 4-5 days instead of every 3.

beaslbob · Dec 1, 2017

this thread is gonna be huge. LOL

I think the overriding factor will be stability. not constant but stable. When the system deviates for a steady state does it return to that state? If so it's stable.

I think the most important overriding part of the system will be using macro or other algaes to balance out and stabilize the system. Everything else will be a far distant secondary effect.

An in tank refugium makes for a simple, easy to operate, inexpensive and safe system. Just some eggcrate 3" in front of the back glass and some added lights to light up that areas.

And the improved diy system (or other system) to maintain calcium/alk/mag

my .02

DarkSky · Dec 1, 2017

The biggest key to a low maintenance tank is automation, in my opinion. I've pretty much gotten everything on my tank automated except feeding and scraping the glass, considering one of those electric snail things to see if they work.

Newb73 · Dec 1, 2017

Oh the number 1.

Plumb your tank Resovoir for RODI and plumb a few drain pipes to the sewage

Berlibee · Dec 1, 2017

This is interesting for you.

outeastreefer · Dec 1, 2017

Interesting concept. Call me old school, but I like getting my hands wet and tinkering with things.

r2odie · Dec 1, 2017

Setting up a 375 so really need this info! Will be following along!

r2odie · Dec 1, 2017

Setting up a 375 in the near future so great timing for this! Following along, thanks!

AquaART · Dec 1, 2017

In my option, a good starting point for a ULM tank would be a 90 gallon glass aquarium, less than 26” tall, rimless, but with a cover to prevent jumpers. Why rimless? You can just grab a cloth and clean the edge rather than dealing with the salt creep on it’s boarders or eurobraces. The tank should be drilled with an overflow system that has at least one backup drain should something get cloggeed. Tank should be on a stand that’s amply tall for viewing and equipment storage, but low enough where you don’t need to pull out a step stool to reach inside. My $0.02 deposited.

Reef_Pilot · Dec 1, 2017

As someone who travels a lot, I NEED low maintenance. I am anxious to see what ideas and methods you all come up with.

My thoughts:
- 80-120 Gallons, Large enough to make stability easier, but not too large (Not more than 24" deep)
- Lightly stocked with common fish, but still lots of corals
- NOT a BB, mainly because I think a sand bed looks more natural and we can't make it too easy
- Select CUC to help with the work
- Autofeeder for at least 1x feeding per day (can & should be supplemented with hand feeding, because we all enjoy that part)
- Largest sump possible under the stand, with Refugium (No socks in normal use)
- Minimal water changes (No more than 5-10% /wk)
- ATO, preferably with RODI plumbed in
- Skimmer with Overflow catch tank & float shutoff
- Dual plumbed return pumps to divide the work and provide redundancy
- Apex or other suitable automation
- LED / T5 Hybrid Lighting

Donald Goldsworthy · Dec 1, 2017

Low maintenance ideas:
60 cube
Sump with refugium
Neptune Apex
Vertex130 skimmer with Avast skimmate locker or super locker.
Avast ATO with barrel tender hooked to RO/DI
T5/LED hybrid light
Dosing pumps
Small CUC