What do i need?

hi guys,i want to set up my 30 long tank as a fowlr tank.i have a 13 gal tank that i want 4 my sump.what equipment do i need to set up basic beginner fowlr tank?plse include bulkhead size for perfect overflow and return pump size.oh ,i plan on drilling my tank.thanx

 

I would go with the eshopps PF-300 Eshopps: Overflow boxes for your overflow.

A pump rated at about 400 gph (make sure to install a ball valve in the return line)

Beyond that you will need a heater, 1 or 2 power heads for flow, lighting, sand and live rock.

 

I would do a 1" bulkhead.....mag 5 for the return. Get the tank drilled first. Then get your sump running. Then get some rock and sand. Then get some T5 lighting to eventually turn it into a reef. 2 Koralia 2s.

 

If you want to go with a rear drilled overflow, get this:
Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff : 700 gph Overflow complete kit
From there, find a pump that is rated for about 700gph, like a Mag7, and you will be good to go.

 

Also, paint the back of the tank during this phase....it you want. It is easily done and looks great. Much better than the tape on backgrounds out there IMO.

Now this is important. I would set it up assuming you will eventually go reef. Too many of us started FOWLR and went reef when everything got going and we got bored with our set up (or just fascinated with corals).

The 30g is a good size, and easy to fit with a light fixture. I would look at a good quality T5 set up. Tek makes a good set up. Here is a link. Remember, you get what you pay for. Stay away from Odyssea and I would even avoid Current. You can do much better for a little more money. http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/36_inch__4x39W_Tek_Light_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

ITO of a bulkhead.....I don't know. Ask others that question. If you decide to do an external overflow, I am a CPR fan. If you do this, you want to buy two aqualifters in case one goes out. The aqualifter is your siphon assist that keeps the unit moving water. For your set up I would get a 300gph overflow and run it at about 150gph.

For a return pump, Rio makes some good pumps. The Danner brand of magnetic drives are better. I run both. A Rio 1100 would work if you had only four feet from the sump to the top of the DT. A Rio 1700 would be needed if the height is five or six feet. A Mag 2 would do at 4 feet, a Mag 3 would do at five or six feet. Refer to MarineDepot.com for the charts. Just bring up the pump in question and click on the Performance Chart hyperlink in the information section.

Now, you will also need some internal flow (within the DT). For softies and LPS, I would do around 50x. SPS is higher. If your return flow is around 200gph, all you would need would be two Koralia nanos and two Koralia-1s. Remember, with flow, you want to minimize dead spots. Cyano is your enemy, and flow will do wonders in preventing it's take over.

Now.....the skimmer. With a tank that small, you still need a skimmer IMO. Here is a short list of good skimmers.

AquaMedic Turbo Flotor 1000 Multi SL
AquaC Remora Pro
Octopus BH-300F

These are HOB varieties that can still be used in the sump, but most of the in-sump models are overkill for ya. That's not to say you cannot use them. It's just not that economical.

You also need a heater of course. And that's about all I can think of.

Test kits.....almost forgot. Salifert is one of the best. API makes a good beginner set, but I prefer Salifert and Elos. For you, at this point, NH4, NO2, NO3 and pH is all you need.

And consider a refractometer. They run about $30 and are invaluable. Here is an eBay listing NEW! Salinity Refractometer 4 Aquarium Pond Hydrometer - eBay (item 220231757892 end time Aug-27-09 23:09:02 PDT)

So this post was probably complete overkill. But it kept me out of trouble for a few minutes, so that is good!!!! Good luck.......and Peace.......John.