fowlr questions

[pizzaguy]

So what all is really necessary as in equipment for a low maintenance fowlr setup?

I have a nice tank sitting in the garage but definitely can't handle 2 reef tanks. So was thinking fowlr. Already have tank stand canopy lights return pump and powerhead. Aside from the sump with a filter sock what else is people using. Reactors etc

[dante411x]

You're gonna make that amazing starphire tank into a fowlr????????? Say it isn't so.

 

Here are steps.

 

First, move everything into the new tank. It'll be your reef.

 

Second, start thinking about fowlr. Honestly, I don't think you need much. Lighting doesn't matter, so just choose what makes you happy. A sump would be good just in general, but not necessary either. Can do canister or something silly like that, but 150g is a lot of water for a canister. So sump.

Skimmer is a good idea always, but you won't need the power of big skimmers on a fowlr.

[Djplus1]

Honestly, in my opinion the set up isn't all that different. Basically, no need for fancy lights, fancy flow options, dosers or reactors. I would use live rock and a skimmer for sure. I don't know why anyone would want to use a filter of any kind, especially if you're already familiar with sumps and skimmers.

[pizzaguy]

Definitely a sump. I thought the skimmer should be oversized since the fish load in a fowlr is much more then a reef. I guess to be specific, how big should the skimmer be and do most run carbon and something for phosphate?

[pizzaguy]

You're gonna make that amazing starphire tank into a fowlr????????? Say it isn't so. 

 

That's my thoughts or maybe even a freshwater tank. Not sure yet. But definitely not another reef.

[epleeds]

I say make it a zoa and ricordia tank. Very low key. And just let em tank over.

[Coral Hind]

I do run carbon for about three days a month or when the water starts to get a color/smell to it. Lighting is on the low side compared to reef tanks. I am currently only running 114w of LED over an 8' tank. The maintenance time spent of a FOWLR is much less than a reef tank. I spend more time on my 16g Nuvo then I do on my 600 FOWLR. Nitrates and SG are the only things I test for.

[sen5241b]

I can almost garantee you that eventually you will want to do corals. You may wish to choose lighting that can be used for corals at a future date rather than spend money on lights that can't support corals now. You will only have to spend more money down the road on better lights.

Edited April 30, 2014 by sen5241b

[pizzaguy]

It already has enough lighting for everything including sps up high so no issues there. I already spend at least an hour a day with my current reef so I can assure you I don't have time for another reef. I want some angels and such so that eliminates coral off the get go. Coral hind any gfo or anything? And what is your water change regime

[smallreef]

When I had my 150g fowlr...

Ran all the same stuff, sump, skimmer, GFO when needed, carbon, as I do on my reef tank (only cfl lights though)

Much easier...less frequent water changes...though more feedings as I had larger fish (which is why I rand a large skimmer and GFO)

[Coral Hind]

I want some angels and such so that eliminates coral off the get go. Coral hind any gfo or anything? And what is your water change regime

My experience is that angels seem to be a little more sensitive to higher Nitrates than other fish that people keep in a FOWLR. I have not run any GFO since the FOWLR was set up. I do use RO but no longer do DI resin. Lately I have been doing 200g every three month for water changes. Some months if I'm running the 75g QT I will do more smaller water changes and use the old display water on the QT system. I would just watch the Nitrates and let that decide when you change water.

[sen5241b]

My experience is that angels seem to be a little more sensitive to higher Nitrates than other fish that people keep in a FOWLR. I have not run any GFO since the FOWLR was set up. I do use RO but no longer do DI resin. Lately I have been doing 200g every three month for water changes. Some months if I'm running the 75g QT I will do more smaller water changes and use the old display water on the QT system. I would just watch the Nitrates and let that decide when you change water.

 

 

1+ some fish are more sensitive to nitrates than others like Mandarins

[countryboy]

Eric, In my fowlr I have a forty gallon sump with filter sock, big skimmer and a fluval fx5 cannister. I do a 20% water change about every three weeks. I could probably do less water changes but I'm pretty heavily stocked. I only feed once daily but I feed heavy. I used to run gfo but I don't keep up with that anymore. My fish seem fine even my Emporer and I'm getting ready to add a three spot angel when he's ready to come out of Quarentine. Is that spelled right? My spellcheck isn't working. My Emporer was maybe 2 inches when I got him and now he is about 6 or 8 and almost through his change. The nice thing about a fowlr is you can get some beautiful fish that won't work in a reef.

[smallreef]

Eric, In my fowlr I have a forty gallon sump with filter sock, big skimmer and a fluval fx5 cannister. I do a 20% water change about every three weeks. I could probably do less water changes but I'm pretty heavily stocked. I only feed once daily but I feed heavy. I used to run gfo but I don't keep up with that anymore. My fish seem fine even my Emporer and I'm getting ready to add a three spot angel when he's ready to come out of Quarentine. Is that spelled right? My spellcheck isn't working. My Emporer was maybe 2 inches when I got him and now he is about 6 or 8 and almost through his change. The nice thing about a fowlr is you can get some beautiful fish that won't work in a reef.

Very true about the non-reef safe fish...

I mainly had triggers in mine...

Tried and angel, but apparently triggers like to snack on their eyes...ugh...

Also, there are some really cool fowlr only fish...

I had a really cool gulf toadfish till he ate my foxface...

And if you've always wanted a grouper or snapper...

[pizzaguy]

I'm still debating. I'm in no rush on this one for once.

[dante411x]

I think freshwater would be awesome. Way easier for one. And there's something just.. mesmerizing I think is a good word for it... about a large planted tank.