Softy/LPS tank advice

[pledosophy]

I have done seahorses, mixed reef, and SPS. It is time for a softy tank. Also, (mostly) the wife wants one.

I am just starting to look into how to keep nutrients up, and algae down. My tank stand currently does not have room for a refugium, but plumbing one into the garage is an option.

Does anyone have any starting points for me to research into about keeping a softy tank?

Tank is not even plumbed yet, so still in the planning phase. Hoping to keep Euphillia, Gorgonia, Leathers, bubble coral, carpet nem, symphyllia, and acans. Probably some chalices or favia knowing me.

Thanks ahead of time for the directions to look.

 

[Benjay221]

I have this exact settup

it’s an innovative marine lagoon 25

I have lots toadstools, photosynthetic Gargonians, zoas, mushrooms, a ritteri anenome, a carpet anenome, and lots of random other stuff.

My secret to keeping nutrients up and algae down is having two octopus and a HUGE clean up crew and not too much light and running lights for 6 hours a day

the octopus eat a ton and poop a lot!

 

[pledosophy]

You have a blue ring, and another species of octopus in the same tank?

Crazy! I didn't think they could even live long at the same temps as the corals.

 

[Benjay221]

You have a blue ring, and another species of octopus in the same tank?

Crazy! I didn't think they could even live long at the same temps as the corals.

Great point! I actually keep blue ringed octopus which are from Sri Lanka so they prefer water temp low 80s

the mimic is from Sulawesi Indonesia which is also quite warm

most people try and keep Bimacs and other octopus which are actually native to California where it’s mid to high 60s so they unfortunately don’t do well in reefs and should be left to the more advanced aquarists keeping cold water tanks