BIO Load - How to determine?

[foamythesquirrel]

So I have had my tank running for just over 5 months now. I have a Hang-On Protein Skimmer by CPR Aquatics and it seems to work fine.

I am curious to know if there is a way to measure your bio load within the tank. I have a 29gal and do a 10% WC every 2 weeks.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

No way to measure it number-wise, but if you tell us what fish you have in the tank, we can give you an idea of where you're at!

 

[foamythesquirrel]

I figured that could be the case, but thanks for breaking the news

As for my fish, I have 2 black clowns just under 2" each. I also have 2 Fire Gobies about 2" each. And 1 Kaudern Cardinal about 1.5" long.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

These things are usually personal opinions, but I'd say that's a pretty decent bioload. It's definitely not low. I wouldn't put anything more in there. For comparison, I've got a clown, three chromis, a Kaudern, and a yellow clown goby in a 46g and I feel like I might have one more fish than I should have in it. But that's just me... I'm sure others will have different opinions.

 

[foamythesquirrel]

That sounds good to me as well. I didn't plan on adding more fish, since I am looking more for a reef tank.

I guess the question still remains, do I need to have my protein skimmer still? I am just uncertain if that is removing any good source from the tank, or is it worthwhile to have it do it's job?

Thanks.

 

[melosu58]

No way to measure it number-wise, but if you tell us what fish you have in the tank, we can give you an idea of where you're at!

I agree with Kurt that you just cant throw a number out there. Some fish are sloppy eaters some are neat herbivores ans so on. It really depends on the fish. BTW that was a very good question.