New Skimmer question!

[Reef_Monkey]

Hello everyone...I'm new to RDO. I plan on setting up a tank and I need some help on how to go about doing it. First off, I have a 55 gal aquarium with which I plan on having a fish only tank. I have purchased gray coast calcite for substrate. Now my questions come up with filtration. I want to know if I should get a wet/dry filtration system or just a regular activated carbon filter (I currently own a whisper 500 gph filter). Also I was curious to wheather or not I should get a skimmer or not? ANd if so, which kind? (I was leaning towards a SeaClone 100, I'm not the richest man in the world 8O ). Also, what about LR. How much should I get, if any? I know it will help cycle the tank, but how necessary is it for a fish only tank? I had it planned to just put pieces of fake coral in there. Any opinions are most appreciated. Thank you.
~Ed

 

[mountainbiker619]

since it is going to be a fish only..I would suggest a better skimmer than the sea-clone..maybe a AquaC Remora. Check ebay for good deals for live rock.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Monkey. Live rock is great for primarily fish tanks, for cycling, for filtration and for looks. There is no perfect rule of thumb for the quantity of rock because it varies in density so much. You could use a pound per gallon as a starting point and add more if it doesn't look like enough. It will depend in part on the type of fish you intend to keep - for active fish, less rock/more swimming space. For skittish fish, more rock/more hiding space.

I would recommend a simple sump or refugium/sump over a wet/dry or simple power filter set up. Be sure to have plenty of circulation to get the most filtration benefit out of the live rock.

I agree with Mountain Biker that a top-notch skimmer would be a worthy addition for your FOWLR, whatever other filtration options you go with.

Have fun, and be sure and take advantage of the knowlege you can get on this site before spending your cash.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree with the recommendations made above. IME it has been far easier to maintain high water quality in FO tanks using live rock and skimming for filtration as opposed to other methods.

 

[Mogo]

I agree with all of above. You have found a great source for info on your proposed setup. Browse around the archives and FAQ's here also. Have fun!

 

[Reef_Monkey]

Alright, how much wattage do I need for a heater for my 55 Gal FOWLR? I was thinking 350...will that do?

 

[ChrisRD]

Unless the tank is going to be in an unheated room you shouldn't need 350 watts. 200 watts would be fine.

 

[Anonymous]

Are you handy? There is a course here on DIYing a skimmer- think it just started http://www.reefs.org/maco/modules.php?o ... ublic.html

 

[LFS42]

CUT YOUR LOSES NOW AND RUN....

BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE AND YOUR ADDICTED




Oh, your still here, well then
I would go with a good (not sea clone) hang on skimmer and add a few power heads for water movment.
Add live rock untill you think you have enough, add 15 more pounds.
Add a heater if you think you need one (200 watts should be fine)
get a timer for the lights to run automatic.
Add fish


save up for the upgrades to turn it into a reef :twisted:

 

[Reef_Monkey]

Hello everyone,
How come on my new 55gal setup, I have salt building up on all the walls? I used a razor blade and got most of it off. Should I just leave it or do I need more circulation? Or is that normal? Please help...All opinions are appreaciated!!
Thanks again,
~Ed

 

[damonbrodie]

Hello everyone,
How come on my new 55gal setup, I have salt building up on all the walls? I used a razor blade and got most of it off. Should I just leave it or do I need more circulation?
~Ed

Salt buildup is mostly normal, and usually unavoidable. Keep scraping the salt back into the tank regularly so that the salinity of your tank doesn't change (assuming you have automatic topoffs with fresh water).

 

[AllenF]

I run my FO just like a reef. 4inch deep sand bed, at least 1lb of lr per gallon, powerful skimmer, good circulation, and above average lighting. 10-20% water changes a month and a good water filter are also fine additions to the plan.

Later when you want live corals...all you have to do is upgrade the lighting (assuming you stock your FO with reef safe fish to start with).

 

[Reef_Monkey]

Hi everyone!
Thanks all for helping me out with my tank. Keep coming with the tips!
I found out that it wasn't salt build up after all. It was the substrate I was using. It was by SeaChem, it was the Tidal Marine Substrates (Gray Coast Calcite), I chose that because it was black and would have looked beautiful. It was built up all over my tank. All 4 walls all OVER! There is some kind of chemical or dust that is in the substrate that almost riuned my whole tank. It actually riuned my power head because it got all clogged up in it. It wasn't the salt as expected. For those of you out there thinking about buying anything from SeaChem...DON'T! :x I know have crushed coral and not a problem at all. Thanks again for all the help,
~Ed