Fish Only Without Live Rock

[spitz006]

My goal is to run a tank with estuary fish where the salinity fluctuates between high end brackish and the lower limits of full marine. A gradual change from about 1.012 to 1.020 This will keep the fish healthy from any saltwater parasites who can't handle the low salinity, and fresh water parasites who can't handle the high salinity. It will also save me money on salt

My understanding is live rock won't work in that scenario, so for filtration I will be relying on big canister filters and maybe a whole sump system.

Will this work and are there any fish I should avoid because they rely on the live rock for food?

 

[tlindsey]

I would suggest avoiding any fragile reef species. Do lots of research

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Agree with above

 

[Fishpony]

Good luck with that, as the only fish you'd be able to keep in those condition would be mullets and brackish water livebearers. Also since live rock would not work, neither would a biological filter, well it can work but it won't be as efficient if you kept you salinity stable. If you want reef fish than just keep your salinity at around 1.018 - 1.020 if you just want to save on salt prices. That is what most lfs do to save money on salt.

 

[spitz006]

I think there are quite a few species you're unaware of that come and go from estuaries.

 

[BIG-G]

Green spotted puffer would work. They start out fresh and gradually migrate to the ocean. I know of people who keep them in brackish conditions for years.

 

[Fishpony]

Flounder sheepshead, and multiple drum species would work too. Though space for these fishes would have to be taking into account.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Yellowtail damsels,percula clownfish,violetgobies,low quality guppies,mollies and several others would do well in this tank.

 

[spitz006]

Can u give me some others or tell me how I can find some on my own?

 

[BIG-G]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_brackish_aquarium_fish_species

If you were to keep your salinity at the upper end of your specs, at 1.020 you would be able to keep most saltwater fish you would like. A lot of stores keep there tanks at lower levels to save money and make it harder for parasites to get a foot hold in their tanks.