Need help setting up a FOWLR

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I would suggest you figure out where you eventually want to take a saltwater tank. Most everyone starts with a FOWLR and next thing you know, you start thinking about building a full-blown reef. :) Trust me, been there.

If you think you will ever want to keep corals, I would suggest you get the best lighting you can NOW, instead of constantly upgrading as you go from softies, to LPS then to SPS. Other than water parameters, lighting might be the second most-important piece of equipment you can buy. Look for T5 or even better, metal halide. Initial cost can be hundreds (plural) of dollars, but better to invest now, one time, instead of several times. I probably spent about $500-600 in lighting alone over the years.

Also, for sure, pick up a protein skimmer. I take it back. Other than water parameters, a skimmer is the most important piece of equipment, then lighting. :)

You're playing with fire if you don't get a skimmer. I had mine set up for about 6 months without one, and suddenly, one day, full tank crash. No reason I could see, other than the build up of proteins - which will kill your livestock.

You are embarking on an adventure my friend, enjoy the ride! :)
 
EastBay;4206419; said:
I would suggest you figure out where you eventually want to take a saltwater tank. Most everyone starts with a FOWLR and next thing you know, you start thinking about building a full-blown reef. :) Trust me, been there.

If you think you will ever want to keep corals, I would suggest you get the best lighting you can NOW, instead of constantly upgrading as you go from softies, to LPS then to SPS. Other than water parameters, lighting might be the second most-important piece of equipment you can buy. Look for T5 or even better, metal halide. Initial cost can be hundreds (plural) of dollars, but better to invest now, one time, instead of several times. I probably spent about $500-600 in lighting alone over the years.

Also, for sure, pick up a protein skimmer. I take it back. Other than water parameters, a skimmer is the most important piece of equipment, then lighting. :)

You're playing with fire if you don't get a skimmer. I had mine set up for about 6 months without one, and suddenly, one day, full tank crash. No reason I could see, other than the build up of proteins - which will kill your livestock.

You are embarking on an adventure my friend, enjoy the ride! :)
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Proteins are removed by water changes though. I ran a 210 for 6 months with a 5ft green moray, 14inch BB grouper, 12in blueline, 6in queen, and two smaller triggers never running a skimmer. Bad husbandry and not testing water params leads to tank crashes. Other things can effect it, like leaving a canister unplugged or to long or many other things, but a system can fully function without a skimmer.

Besides, for a reef a skimmer is a terrible choice compared to an algae scrubber. Well actually in general a scrubber will beat a skimmer. All a skimmer does is remove proteins before they break down to become nitrate. I would say with a proper refugium, or algae scrubber a skimmer is a worthless piece of junk. Though its quick and easy for most people, i mean hey i use one. But algae is the number 1 water recycle unit in the ocean, and will continue to be, not "skimming". Without a skimmer you must be compensating though, but can be much more effective.

You are very right about the lights though, and the direction of the tank. Do you plan a FOWLR forever, reef, or predator?

Sorry if i came off as strong, had to many natty lights, there are just so many better alternative to systems than protein skimmers. I incorporate a few into my system and feed 1-2lbs a day and only do water changes every 2-3 months. My water params don't even show up either.
 
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