55g FOWLR check list advice needed

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JoeBel

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 16, 2008
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www.joebeleznay.com
Hey all, taking the plunge into saltwater, first time. working on my equipment list for a 55g FOWLR tank. Just wanted to double-check I"m not making any huge mistakes from the get go.

I'm trying to stay away from sumps, cannisters, HOB's for filtration and let the live rock & skimmer do the job, but am not 100% that's a bad idea or not (I've read conflicting things online). The tank will be moderatly stocked slowlllllly, I want the outcome to be prob 6-8 fish that grow no larger than 4-5" so it won't be overstocked.

Here's my list:
- 70-80 lbs of precured live rock
- 60lbs of Arag-Alive sand
- HOB AquaC Remora Skimmer with maxi-jet 1200
- pre-skimmer for the Remora (not sure if I really need this)
- 2 Hydor Koralia Pumps #2 (600gph too much flow?)

* + all the basics, 50/50 aqualight, 300w heater, refractometer, etc...

Since I'm starting fresh would it be dumb to buy the live sand or pre-cured rock, I'm just trying to find the fastest route to kick starting the cycle with little to no cleaning prior to putting things into the tank (rocks, sand). I also don't want to cure the rock myseld in tubs and whatnot.

Let me know what you think I'd really appreciate it!
 
JoeBel;3579552; said:
Hey all, taking the plunge into saltwater, first time. working on my equipment list for a 55g FOWLR tank. Just wanted to double-check I"m not making any huge mistakes from the get go.

I'm trying to stay away from sumps, cannisters, HOB's for filtration and let the live rock & skimmer do the job, but am not 100% that's a bad idea (I've read conflicting things)

<< using the live rock and skimmer is great way to go... >>

Here's my list:
- 70-80 lbs of precured live rock
- 60lbs of Arag-Alive sand
- HOB AquaC Remora Skimmer with maxi-jet 1200
- pre-skimmer for the Remora (not sure if I really need this)
- 2 Hydor Koralia Pumps #2 (600gph too much flow?) << Just enough flow, actually..i would suggest about 1300 to 1400 gph totaly flow >>

* + all the basics, 50/50 aqualight, 300w heater, refractometer, etc...

Since I'm starting fresh would it be dumb to buy the live sand or pre-cured rock, I'm just trying to find the fastest route to kick starting the cycle with little to no cleaning prior to putting things into the tank. I also don't want to cure the rock myseld in tubs and whatnot.

<< Dont bother with live sand, waste of money..Dont rush the cycle, you'll need to have patience with it...Use either pure ammonia or a raw shrimp / prawn as the ammonia source, and all will be fine >>

Let me know what you think I'd really appreciate it!
Click to expand...

You seem to be well planned...Good luck with it..
 
Thanks Reefscape, truly appreciate the quick reply & info/advice.

In terms of the:

- 2 Hydor Koralia Pumps #2 (600gph too much flow?) << Just enough flow, actually..i would suggest about 1300 to 1400 gph totaly flow >>

I wasn't sure if you meant 1300 per pump or total? Two of the #2's would equal 1200gph, how's that, or should I ramp up to the #3 which does 850gph each or 1700gph total?

I've actually never used a powerhead in my FW tanks & going mainly with smaller fish I wasn't sure if it was too much current for them to be comfortable. I just didn't want to launch anything out of the water :).

Thanks!
 
JoeBel;3579596; said:
Thanks Reefscape, truly appreciate the quick reply & info/advice.

In terms of the:

- 2 Hydor Koralia Pumps #2 (600gph too much flow?) << Just enough flow, actually..i would suggest about 1300 to 1400 gph totaly flow >>

I wasn't sure if you meant 1300 per pump or total? Two of the #2's would equal 1200gph, how's that, or should I ramp up to the #3 which does 850gph each or 1700gph total?

I've actually never used a powerhead in my FW tanks & going mainly with smaller fish I wasn't sure if it was too much current for them to be comfortable. I just didn't want to launch anything out of the water :).

Thanks!
Click to expand...


Spose i am just being a bit picky....the two powerheads you stated will be fine ( I was refering too 1300 total )...When i work out the tank flow, i multiply the tank volume by 25...that gives an idea of the total flow needed...Some people actually go up to 40 x the tank volume in flow rate......You'll be surprised how well the fish handle the high flow....
 
Reefscape;3579727; said:
Spose i am just being a bit picky....the two powerheads you stated will be fine ( I was refering too 1300 total )...When i work out the tank flow, i multiply the tank volume by 25...that gives an idea of the total flow needed...Some people actually go up to 40 x the tank volume in flow rate......You'll be surprised how well the fish handle the high flow....
Click to expand...

I'm sure being "picky" is a good thing when it comes to SW fish-keeping. It's such an involved hobby so I would much rather overcompensate then be a noob that just "gets by" with the bare minimum.. so your advice is much appreciated. Reading all over the net, it's disheartening to see how many people jump into this hobby with no research whatsoever.

I cannot wait to get this all started, this has been a dream of mine since I got my first goldfish when I was little.

Thanks, will let you know how things go!
 
as much as i would like to imput.... it seems these guys gotcha covered! congras on joining the salty side!
 
Thanks sooo very much everyone! Answered my question on the whole "curing during the cycle" process. Makes sense the whole "tub" thing is for SW tanks that are already stocked, d'uh.

I feel much better about all this now. So this is what I'm going to do exactly:

- put eggcrate down
- fill with the 55-60lbs of Arag sand
- fill the tank 1/2 full with saltwater mixed to correct salinity
- place the live rock in nicely
- fill the tank to the brim with the rest of the salt water
- turn on heater, koralia's, & skimmer
- drop a raw shrimp in (maybe to help strengthen the cycle)
- wait & test daily for params as the cycle processes'
- grin like a child growing sea monkeys :)

How's that sound, am I missing anything?

Thanks!
 
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