3reef Forums - View Single Post - So, if you could do it all over again from scratch...

Blade_Runner · 12-28-2006, 03:14 PM

Lots of good advise, but I'm still wondering what kind of FO tank you are trying to create?
Show?
FOWLER?

Some of the filtration answers are modified based on your choice.

The problem with tap water is primarily phosphates. I've cycled with RODI and tap. Personally, I have not seen any differences at that stage. I've even had bigger blooms with RODI than tap. Go figure. By now much of the phosphates in the tap water have probably parcipitated out into the sand. Anyway a good RO unit is a must for most muni water supplies. It is amazing how much DOCs and phosphates are in my water.

If you decide to go with a FOWLER, I cure LR in a covered trash can or tub with a power head with the lights off. I cycle with the lights on. IMO, a FOWLER has a more natural look and aids in the nitrogen cycle. Also, if you change your mind and want to go to a reef, you are most of the way there. On the other hand, a show tank is easy too. I did FO show tanks for years and both me and my fish were happy and fat, to coin a phrase. IMO, show is old tech. FOWLER is new.

As long as you have a sump, an in sump skimmer is the way to go. There are lots of good choices. Get a skimmer rated to 200g or so. With no coral, a good skimmer should be sufficient. No need to go over the top. If you change your mind, you still should be in good shape. I know I'll get picked on for this but a Jebo 520 off ebay with a pump for under $100 will be more than sufficient for a 90g FOWLER.

Have fun and keep asking questions.

12-28-2006, 03:14 PM	#13 (permalink)
Blade_Runner Gigas Clam Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Carpentersville, IL Age: 52 Posts: 874 Karma: 137	Lots of good advise, but I'm still wondering what kind of FO tank you are trying to create? Show? FOWLER? Some of the filtration answers are modified based on your choice. The problem with tap water is primarily phosphates. I've cycled with RODI and tap. Personally, I have not seen any differences at that stage. I've even had bigger blooms with RODI than tap. Go figure. By now much of the phosphates in the tap water have probably parcipitated out into the sand. Anyway a good RO unit is a must for most muni water supplies. It is amazing how much DOCs and phosphates are in my water. If you decide to go with a FOWLER, I cure LR in a covered trash can or tub with a power head with the lights off. I cycle with the lights on. IMO, a FOWLER has a more natural look and aids in the nitrogen cycle. Also, if you change your mind and want to go to a reef, you are most of the way there. On the other hand, a show tank is easy too. I did FO show tanks for years and both me and my fish were happy and fat, to coin a phrase. IMO, show is old tech. FOWLER is new. As long as you have a sump, an in sump skimmer is the way to go. There are lots of good choices. Get a skimmer rated to 200g or so. With no coral, a good skimmer should be sufficient. No need to go over the top. If you change your mind, you still should be in good shape. I know I'll get picked on for this but a Jebo 520 off ebay with a pump for under $100 will be more than sufficient for a 90g FOWLER. Have fun and keep asking questions. _________ 300 Reef; 325LR, 1/2" sand bed in tank, 3" sand bed in 215 gal sump/refugium and Berliner PowerPro SS twin becket skimmer. 210 Reef; with 225 lbs of LR, 300 lb DSB, Large W/D and Jebo 520 skimmer modified to accept a becket. 90 RR FOWLR; tied into the 300's sump with a closed loop for extra circulation. 55 hospital.