Going for a natural look with-out exotic corals.

[RockBox]

Because of the need to travel more often I decided to sell off most of my corals from my 40 breeder. The fear of coming home to a full blown crash was too much for me. Instead of tearing down the tank altogether I decided to go for a more self sustained ecosystem with an emphasis placed on adding more macro algae and creating a more suitable habitat for my dragonface pipefish. Currently I am trying to acquire a female mate for him.

My tank only relies on natural filtration along with running active carbon 24/7. There is no skimmer or sump. The tank has been set-up for almost 4 years and the hardy corals that I kept were acquired 6 years ago. I also have 3 chromis, a YWG, a pair of firefish and the pipefish

Here is what the tank looked like before the sell-off:

Here is what it looks like today:

Last but not least my pipefish:

I know my tank no longer has the awe factor and color it once did but now I don't have to worry about a major crash while away. I still have a nice looking aquarium to come home to not to mention the nice pay off I got from selling off most of my corals.

I am going to be acquiring some more colorful macro algae in the coming weeks and will keep you all posted on my progress.

I look forward to your input and comments.

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

It's sad that you're looking to sell your corals... your tank was beautiful and a benchmark that I'm using for what I would like my tank to be like some day.

However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I understand how the appreciation of such a tank could be diminished if all that you did was worry about losing such a beautiful thing. Also, a LFS has a planted saltwater tank and it is definitely interesting. You can get an amazing array of macro algae and I believe you can make a very nice looking, naturally filtrated tank if that is your goal.

Keep us posted.

 

[IamELMO]

While your first tank was definately something, I quite like it now, more open and more natural looking. The fish probably like it too? Still, looks real nice

 

[Rhodes19]

I know my tank no longer has the awe factor and color it once did

Are you kidding? Its beautiful! I wish mine looked that nice. I am so jealous. I would like to hear more about using macro algae and how it working for you. Please keep us posted.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

The first one was amazing and it is still great with the new open look. Great pics too!

 

[jcgardner]

Your tank is still absolutely beautiful. Wish mine looked like half as nice as yours.

 

[yungreefer2410]

personally i like the new look better

 

[RockBox]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Some of your comment were pretty encouraging.

On another note I thought I would post some pics of my corals in their new home a 120 gallon. The orange circles indicate the corals that came from my tank:

His picture taking skills need some work but you get the idea. After seeing the pics I recommended that he move the hammer to a lower light and flow location. The rest of the corals look like they are doing well.