Is this all I really need?

[nfored]

To setup a 55 or 75 Gallon FOWLR tank, do I really only need a little light and a protein skimmer? Some people say I need a sump, others say just the PS.


Will end up with about 80lbs of base rock, which will eventually be come live . 30lbs of aragonite and 40lbs of crushed coral.

Placed a bid today on 2 Current USA Nova Extreme T5 Fixtures

One is a 36" 4 x 39watt
The other was a 48" 4 x 54 watt.

Buying one thing at a time, I say 55 or 75 gallon since I have a 55 but if I have to get a sump I might buy a 75 with overflows.

Been looking at Skimmers and have been thinking of the coral life version.

 

[sostoudt]

To setup a 55 or 75 Gallon FOWLR tank, do I really only need a little light and a protein skimmer? Some people say I need a sump, others say just the PS.


Will end up with about 80lbs of base rock, which will eventually be come live . 30lbs of aragonite and 40lbs of crushed coral.

Placed a bid today on 2 Current USA Nova Extreme T5 Fixtures

One is a 36" 4 x 39watt
The other was a 48" 4 x 54 watt.

Buying one thing at a time, I say 55 or 75 gallon since I have a 55 but if I have to get a sump I might buy a 75 with overflows.

Been looking at Skimmers and have been thinking of the coral life version.

first for Fish only with live rock you dont need a light period.

the protein skimmer will help alot in reducing waste and water changes.

if you have enough live rock it takes the place of a wet/dry. however if your tank is gonna have a high bioload i would get some kind of biofiltration anyway tho.

 

[nfored]

So maybe toss in a bag of ceramic media behind the rocks and blast it with a power head?

I can save alot of cash I don't have to run a sump, but want whats going to work out best since this is my first salt, and not even my tank.

 

[mach_six]

So maybe toss in a bag of ceramic media behind the rocks and blast it with a power head?

I can save alot of cash I don't have to run a sump, but want whats going to work out best since this is my first salt, and not even my tank.

For a first tank, I would suggest a protein skimmer. As for lighting a 4X54W should be more than enough for a FOWLR. When people say Live Rock, I assume you will mean it will eventually have coralline algae on it not base rock that is acting as a filter medium that will still look like the day you put it in. If that's the case then you can just get away with a standard flourescent hood.

A sump is not necessary for a tank that size but makes the tank look more neat by not having a protein skimmer and heater in the main tank and easier when it comes to water changes and maintenance. Also more water volume will make for a stable water parameters, though a 55 or 75 should be good enough for a beginner tank.

 

[nfored]

Not sure I know the difference, the site I am ordering from says its base rock? I thought base rock would still become biologically active and filter the system. Am I mistaken on this fact?

 

[TheCanuck]

Not sure I know the difference, the site I am ordering from says its base rock? I thought base rock would still become biologically active and filter the system. Am I mistaken on this fact?

No your not , it just isnt worth it. Craigslist sell liverock for 2 dollars a lb. it really helps to have established live rock when starting a SW tank. I would say at the minimum atleast get half LR and half BR. I had to take apart my busted sw tank and i kept the live rock in a bucket with water powerheads heaters etc, and left the base rock on the towel. It totally slipped my mind , i left the Base rock out for a couple of days and boy you could smell that bacteria rotting... FOWLR require a protien skimmer more than Reefs, i hate the misconception on this. It removes dissolved protiens.... aka food. Which do you think eats more? coral? or big predators? its a no brainer.

 

[mr.reef24]

To setup a 55 or 75 Gallon FOWLR tank, do I really only need a little light and a protein skimmer? Some people say I need a sump, others say just the PS.


Will end up with about 80lbs of base rock, which will eventually be come live . 30lbs of aragonite and 40lbs of crushed coral. sound good don't do crushed coral substrate though it can cut the bellies of fish easily.

Placed a bid today on 2 Current USA Nova Extreme T5 Fixtures

One is a 36" 4 x 39watt
The other was a 48" 4 x 54 watt. either one is fine since its just fish only

Buying one thing at a time, I say 55 or 75 gallon since I have a 55 but if I have to get a sump I might buy a 75 with overflows.

Been looking at Skimmers and have been thinking of the coral life version.

All you need is a good protein skimmer, some powerheads for movement, and a heater.

mr.reef24