First, I just want to say kudos for creating such a friendly and informative forum community. I’ve learned a TON just from lurking and reading.
I’m looking to get into the hobby and was hoping to get some feedback on my plan for putting together a tank. This is a somewhat long-term project, as I’m looking to acquire the various supplies needed over the course of a year+ to make the costs a little easier to handle.
I’m interested in building a FOWLR tank of ~200 gallons (exact size depending on the footprint I can fit and afford when I’m ready to buy). I’ve chosen to go the FOWLR route for several reasons:
The cost is much more palatable than a reef tank It’s more appropriate for my experience level (nano freshwater planted tanks) (Most importantly) I love the fish I’ll be able to get in a FOWLR, particularly this guy that I met many times on my honeymoon in the Maldives
First, my equipment/supplies list (excluding fish care/maintenance supplies for now):
Pre-drilled tank with stand
Sump + plumbing parts
Protein Skimmer (e.g. Reef Octopus Classic 150 Space Saver)
Return pump
Heater x2 (e.g. Eheim Jager TruTemp 300 Watt Fully Submersible) and Thermometer
Lights
Powerhead(s) (e.g. Hydor Koralia Evolution Circulation Pump/Powerhead 1150 gph)
Live Rock
Sand substrate
Salt + refractometer
RO/DI system
A few questions that have popped up when researching the equipment:
-Am I missing anything major? Is anything I’ve listed redundant or not necessary?
-What are some thoughts on a pre-fab sump vs. DIY? I definitely prefer the clean look of a pre-fab, but the price difference between the two is obviously significant.
-On lighting, I’m really unsure as to what I’ll need. I’m definitely interested in LEDs due to the low power consumption, but the myriad options have me a bit lost. Any help to offer in this area (examples, rules of thumb, etc.)?
-My preference would be to have as little equipment visible in the display tank as possible, so how manageable would a closed loop system be for this type of tank?
-Live rock from the online retailers seems exorbitant in price. Is it any more affordable at LFSs (I’m willing to drive), or is there another source I should be watching?
-Are there any regular (seasonal, holiday, etc.) sales I should watch for online or at LFSs?
I think that’s enough to get me started. I appreciate any feedback I can get and I’m sure I’ll have more questions to ask.
…And don’t worry, I’m sure you folks will convince me to go the reef route at some point.
