Can bio load be too small?

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cr302186
Puffer Fry
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2016 1:56 pm
Location (country): New Jersey

Can bio load be too small?

Post by cr302186 »

Single GSP approx 4” (acquired at just over 1” about 18 months ago)
- 67 gal display tank (48 x 18 x 18)
- 40 gallon sump (75%full)
- 50+ lbs of rock & 500ml Seachem Matrix pomace
- Reef Octopus 110 skimmer
- Salinity 1.020

I have to run my skimmer pretty aggressively in order to get any skimmate to accumulate on a weekly basis... and it’s mostly water but otherwise the bubbles won’t rise up to the collection cup. This set up is in my office and our firm plans to move to a new building in the next 6-12 months. I would love to give my little guy some more space in a new 60 x 18 x 20 tank but then I would be approaching 130g total volume. I would need to keep the sump large enough to contain an entire water change (he gets freaked out if the water level in the display tank drops more than an inch or two), so I can’t downsize the sump to offset the display.

Is there is a minimum bio load necessary to ensure stability? Would a smaller skimmer be more effective as the nutrient levels will be (presumably) diluted? Can anyone speak from experience in managing an under stocked tank?

Thanks!
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