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What counts as bio-load?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by softieatheart, Feb 12, 2012.

  1. Feb 12, 2012 #1
    softieatheart

    softieatheart Inactive User

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    I am wondering if my tank is getting to the point of overstocking.
    I haven't had any problems yet, but I don't want any, either, iykwim.
    I have a 46 bowfront with a HOB skimmer/fuge combo.  I am wanting to take the skimmer/fuge offline and replace it with an algae turf scrubber in a sump.
    My tank is mostly softies with a few token lps and sps. For fish I have 2 clowns, a watchman goby, a sixline wrasse, a royal gramma, a cardinal, and a coral beauty. So currently about 16 inches of fish, but I have the clean up crew to consider as well. 
    For clean up crew consists of around 10 snails, 10 red leg hermits, a peppermint shrimp, a sexy shrimp, a brittle sea star, a tiger tail cuke, and around 10 of those tiny 1" harlequin sea stars.
    Is that too much for this tank?  If so, will it still be too much if I add a sump? Like I said, I haven't had any problems, but there are a couple more fish I would like to add.  and definitely a few more corals.
     
  2. Feb 12, 2012 #2
    Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

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    Add a 50 gallon sump to your 46. More water volume the better. I would think with more water volume you could handle a heavier bio-load. I think that you are still plenty OK on your load thus far. I really don't consider my cleanup crew part of my bioload.. I wouldn't get rid of you're skimmer. I had a Super Reef Octopus SSS 5000 for my 180, and i have a 75 gal sump too. I have been told even with an algae scrubber you're skimmer will still pick crap outta the water.. I have actually heard it works better with the algae scrubber...

    I'd say Go for it... Just keep an eye on nutrients
     
  3. Feb 12, 2012 #3
    phishcrazee Riverside

    phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    You don't add up the fish in inches for sw tanks like you do in fw tanks, but what you have sounds fine for 46g imo. The fish are going to be the main ones producing waste/ammonia, although snails and the other inverts produce waste as well. If you cycled your tank correctly, you should be ok with the bioload you have now, assuming your have plenty of nitryfying bacteria in your live rock etc. Regular water changes and a good skimmer with keep the nitrates in check. A sump is a great idea too, increases water volume and you can add macro algaes, more live rock......I have no experience with the turf scrubbers, but turbo floyd/bud uses them and recommends them highly.
     
  4. Feb 12, 2012 #4
    Sponge Marshalltown, IA

    Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

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    Marshalltown, IA
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    +1 on the sump and the more water, the better. Looks fine with your bioload but monitor it closely...nutrients can creep up fast!
     
  5. Feb 13, 2012 #5
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    West Des Moines, IA
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    The 'next generation' algae scrubber that will be coming out in a few months was originally designed for a sumpless tank (nano originally). While there is value in increasing water volume, as this can 'cushion' against many factors, the real factor that matters with the algae scrubber is that they only need to be sized to absorb the waste equal to the food you input to the tank. The old 'tank sizing' method is out the door. Food in = waste out so the screen is sized based on feeding, thus it is automatically perfectly sized for your bioload. 12 square inches of screen lit with 6 watts of light on each side per cube of food or equivalent thereof per day is all you need to figure for.
     
  6. Feb 15, 2012 #6
    softieatheart

    softieatheart Inactive User

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    That is really interesting, Floyd.  I am assuming you are talking about the new design SantaMonica is releasing plans to in March? Any idea what supply costs will run and the technical difficulty of assembly?
     

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