Odd Question

Hey everyone, I was in the process of putting together my 55 gallon tank that for the time being was going to be a FOWLR. I got 74lbs of live rock, and its been established with live sand for about 2 months with all readings pointing to stable and safe. My problem is that I was recently let go from my job... before I was able to stock the tank with any cleaning crew or fish.

If I just leave the water circulating, will I need to continue changing water every so often? Also, will having no cleaning crew or source of ammonia cause the bacteria in my system to start dieing off?

Finally, I was looking at maybe just getting 3-4 chromis (cheap, easy) just to actually justify the huge investment I have going for the time being. If I did that, what kind of general recommendations on a cleaning crew would you guys have? I only ask because I have limited funds and would atleast like to get something in the tank.



As far as my tank specs are: 55 gallon regular tank with RO/DI water, about 45lbs of live sand which equals close to 2-3 inches. 74 lbs of live rock, small circulation, and keeping the temp stable with 2 heaters. I do not have an overflow or refugium, nor do I have a protein skimmer. I was unable to get those last things before I lost my job.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your job.

If you add a pinch of fish food every 4 or 5 days until you get a new job, you'll keep the bacteria alive.

 

I appreciate that. Thank god I had the foresight to put a lot into savings, so I am good for the time being

 

Keep your head up a better job is in your furture

 

I will pray the Father for you, you will get another job. Yes add 3-4 chromis and maybe some Blue leg or Red leg hermit crabs, they are pretty cheap. Do you have a filter of any sort?

 

I have a marineland c-220 I got in the very beginning because someone at petsmart had recommended it.... Its brand new in box still though. Hoping to part with it on ebay or craigslist very soon.

 

sorry to hear about your current position,

Inwall has the right idea just keep the biological filter going.

Fingers crossed for you for the near future.

Ian.

 

Ghost shrimp are cheap. You could also get some spotted puffers. They are $6/fish around my parts. Sold as freshwater fish, they are completely saltwater convertible.

 

Mollies can also be converted to salt water, a pair would fill your tank fairly quick.

 

If im not correct arent the puffers and mollys brackish? meaing you have to gradually get htem used to a salt level of 1.023 or higher and not able to just tosh them into a saltwater tank?