Starting a FOWLR

Hi guys,

I am noobie that's currently planning on starting a FOWLR tank. ( just got into the hobby recently.)

I've done some research on it, and am planning out the things I need.

So far I've only acquired the Aqueon 55 Gallon tank.

i am planning on using 50% live rock and 50% dry rock and live sand to cycle

my tank and act as biological filter. I will also be purchasing RO/DI unit so I

can avoid algae problems. I'll also be getting test kits and heaters (I live in

the SF bay area).





I have a few questions regarding the rest of the equipment.

Should I buy a filter? or would a HOB protein skimmer be enough?

Should I get a canopy to cover the top? or should I just leave it open?

Would LED lights suffice? and what other things should I buy?




Thanks for the help guys!

 

Welcome to 3reef.

A decent skimmer with sufficient LR will be enough filtration.

You can make mesh or screen tops that both prevents your fish from jump and does not diffuse the light so much to make a significant difference. Many lights can be mounted on the tank, hung over the tank, you do not need a canopy, unless you like the look.

LED selection takes a lot of research. Depends on what corals you want to keep and how money you want to spend.

 

Hey man! Welcome.

Let me be the first guy to tell ya, drill that tank!

IMO you should buy all dead rock, all dead sand, and then ask someone from your area for a cup of sand and a small piece of live rock. They will seed the whole tank.

I'd also suggest that you use a Bacteria additive, such as Dr. Tims one & only or BioSpira and then add Ammonia to fuel the Bacteria. Much faster cycle times.

Go with a SpectraPure RO/DI unit.

If you have a drilled tank with a SUMP then you can use a 100 or 200 micron filter sock which helps alot. Then you can also put a real nice skimmer down there aswell.

Covering the top has to do with the fish, really. Some fish are known jumpers, others will stay put. It can also help reduce the evaporation rate.

Any type of lights will do. I'd go LED if I were in the market for a new light.

Also look at power heads, not only do they stir up detritus they also give the fish current to swim into, I think of it as a treadmill for them.

 

Thanks for the fast reply guys!

Do you guys have any suggestion regarding skimmers?

Also how many powerheads do I need for a 55 gallon tank?

 

If you are on a budget, I would do two Hydor Koralia 1050s. If you aren't going to have a wavemaker, you can point them at each other to help randomize the flow (not ideal, but should be fine in a FOWLR). For a skimmer, an Eshopps PSK-100H would work well on a 55. There are plenty of other options as well. I would only say to stay away from Coralife Super Skimmers (or at least the 65)

 

Definitely suggest running a sump. Even if it's only a rubber maid! This will do a couple things. 1. Add volume 2. Give a nice area for that skimmer and other equipment. 3. Depending on the size and type of sump, give you the option to start up a refugium.

+1 to avoiding the coralife super skimmer.
+1 to all dry rock. Save your money for a better skimmer.

 

I third it...drill the tank or use a HOB overflow box and run a sumped system. You won't be sorry, and you'll be able to get a better in-sump skimmer, as HOB's never seem to work as well. You'll also be able to hide your heater and other equipment.

You don't really need ANY powerheads if you set your flow up during your design phase, esp. for a FOWLR. I ran our std 60 gal for several years without them (IMHO, they really look unsightly anyhow). Our 60 had three returns from the main pump, with the two at the corners being alternated using a SCWD, while the center return was constant.

If you want additional flow, and you decide to drill the tank, run a closed-loop.

We're exclusively FOWLR for the past several years, and until recently, we had 14 setups running with volumes from 10 gals to 210 gals.

 

Greg, I was curious....are you and Renee' in business or is this just a hobby for you two? That is A LOT of tanks!

 

I'd say both.

 

I have a sumpless 55 and have no problems but if I was starting over ,and I am with a 125, I would drill it. But I have a bio wheel hob filter and removed the biowheels and only run chemi pure or carbon in it and I have a reef octopus hob skimmer they are great. Good luck