[MDPinUSA]

I had an old 55 gal. acrylic tank with stand sitting in our warehouse for some years. I decided to set it up, Bare Bones.

This tank has now been up and running for a few years. It contains various forms of visually pleasing lava rock as supports for various corals. There is no sand or gravel (not one grain). No skimmer. No sump. No UV. No doser. No reactor(s). No supplements. No "live rock", as all decorations are now covered with coraline.

Just water changes using BIO-SEA for several months. Then switching to Marine Env. This is truly a bare bottom tank.

When the tank was 100% BS, everything looked great. With the change to ME, I saw what appeared to be slightly better colors and better size and growth to all corals.

The aquarium is maintained at 77F/25C at a specific gravity of 1.025.

With the additional growth of the corals, increased siphoning of detritus must be performed.

Siphoning out detritus at least once a week prolongs water changes. Siphoning out detritus keeps yellow water discoloration to a minimum and maintains lower waste ion test levels.

I would not hesitate using BIO-SEA if Marine Environment was not handy.

Filtration inside the aquarium is one small Otto power head with foam prefilter.

Prime filtration is one 5 gallon bucket on top of the aquarium. This is fitted with a rotating spray bar that allows system water to be sprinkled over BI OX (advanced bio ball). System water is pumped from the aquarium via a larger Otto powerhead.

Lighting is 360 watts of power compacts. The PC lamps are changed every 10-12 months.

There one Jager heater.

The tank is heavily stocked with a variety of mushroom, elephant ear and toad stool corals. There are a pair of cleaner shrimp that reproduce twice a month, one blood shrimp and one tomato clown that is 14 years old.

The BI OX (balls) are removed from the over the tank 5 gallon bucket 2-3 times per year and cleaned with water removed during water changes.

There is an abundance of coraline algae. It sometimes becomes a chore to clean it from the front and sides of the aquarium. -- That is the biggest chore of keeping this aquarium. -- The second chore is siphoning detritus once a week. -- The third chore is not a chore at all. It is making water changes (absolutely no big deal as I know the animals will respond in a positive way).

My fourth (or real) chore is dealing with internet educated hobbyists that request a 150 gallon size salt mix and want/hope/pray that this package will last up to two years They plan do a total of 1-3 gallon water changes every month on their nano, micro, mini reefs! -- When those calls come in, I know it is time for me to do a water change on the 55.

A cured 33 gallon Rubbermaid container is on a roller platform. It is placed below the discharge spout of a 150 gallon medical grade storage container. Inside this container is RO water.

The Rubber maid is filled to 25 gallons with RO water. Two 600+ gph pumps are placed in the container. The outlet of each pump is directed so maximum water movement is achieved.

A 25 gallon BIO-SEA or ME is opened, the RAG card is removed.... the salts are s l o w l y added to the mixing vat.

Within 20 minutes the solution is clear and all salts are dissolved.

This solution is allowed to mix until the two power heads bring the temp. to 77F/25C. That is usually about 36-48 hours. This depending on the ambient temp.

I estimate there is 42 actual US gallons of water in this bare bones and heavily decorated aquarium.

Water changes at the rate of 10% every two weeks to 20% per day have been performed on this bare bones 55 gallon tank.

With once a week .siphoning of detritus a water change routine of 10% twice a week is more than adequate.

To make a long story short.... and I know this is the time .... a 55 gallon tank can be a great display. Of course, like a few other things... bigger is better... but, if space and costs are a concern.... your 55 will give you a lot of enjoyment.

The more support equipment you employ, the less your maintenance.

Since our 55 was set up as an experimental tank, and we have more salt than you can lift, water changes are not an issue.

Besides, I wanted to see how much I could push the aquatic envelope.

IMO the water we use is keeping the tank together.

Enjoy your 55.