Ive been wanting to setup a reef tank for awhile, I decided to setup a FOWLR as my first tank. Ive been lurking here and doing a lot of reading as far as what to do. Im looking for a nice 50-75 gal tank on craigslist and on the market place here, budget is tight so I have to go used. I understand the running a sump would be the best, but since im going FOWLR I think I could get away with running a canister filter (which I already have, bought off my friend) and having a good ammount of live rock. Any tips you guys could give me for a FOWLR? thanks
First tank. Have a few questions. FOWLR
- Thread starter GK13286
- Start date
- Location
- East Stroudsburg, PA
Save until you can get a new tank and sump in my opinion OR get a used one off of a VERY reputable person. If off craigslist make sure to hold water. Have them fill it up and have it ready to look at when you arrive.
I'm not a fan of canister filters for saltwater. They're nitrate traps.
A 75 has a nice footprint. I wouldn't go with a 55. They're easily available for a reason, it's not a very reef friendly footprint being only 12" deep(front to back).
The last thing I'll say is and this is especially during setup and cycling--the keyword is-----PATIENCE.
Welcome to the hobby. Remember, it's better to save longer and spend a bit more once than save a bit but pay that amount 3 times over. It'll actually cost ou more in the end.
Best of luck.
I'm not a fan of canister filters for saltwater. They're nitrate traps.
A 75 has a nice footprint. I wouldn't go with a 55. They're easily available for a reason, it's not a very reef friendly footprint being only 12" deep(front to back).
The last thing I'll say is and this is especially during setup and cycling--the keyword is-----PATIENCE.
Welcome to the hobby. Remember, it's better to save longer and spend a bit more once than save a bit but pay that amount 3 times over. It'll actually cost ou more in the end.
Best of luck.
- Location
- 10022
welcome to the hobby
55G is a good size if you're gonna stay FOWLR but if you want to go reef mode later 75G will be ideal !
I've used canister filters before in saltwater tanks (NOT RECOMMENDED)
you can built a sump for cheap and is gonna keep your water way better than running a canister filter
55G is a good size if you're gonna stay FOWLR but if you want to go reef mode later 75G will be ideal !
I've used canister filters before in saltwater tanks (NOT RECOMMENDED)
you can built a sump for cheap and is gonna keep your water way better than running a canister filter
- Location
- Astoria, Queens
I agree with everyone else, you want to get it right the first time. Buying things because it's cheap has its down side. This is going to be my first reef tank but I've bought so many crappy tanks/equipment off craigslist then changed my mind then repeat over and over. I think I could have prob bought a brand new custom build tank by now. Be patient, good deals always go on this site, wayyy better than craigslist.
I wouldn't use a canister, and go for the sump more water volume, expand-ability . If you want to save money you can build your own go to petco grab a 20G tank during $1 per gallon and get some glass and silicone and you'll be maybe $50 in?
For the tank, if your space allows it don't go with the 55, the 12" front to back sucks. I have so many issue with it in fresh water already can't imagine in salt with LR and everything.
I wouldn't use a canister, and go for the sump more water volume, expand-ability . If you want to save money you can build your own go to petco grab a 20G tank during $1 per gallon and get some glass and silicone and you'll be maybe $50 in?
For the tank, if your space allows it don't go with the 55, the 12" front to back sucks. I have so many issue with it in fresh water already can't imagine in salt with LR and everything.
- Location
- manhattan
Buy the bigger tank new! buy the sump used! Treat the FOWLR as a reef tank in that you want good water quality bcuz it will be expensive to crossover to corals if you start with bad practices.
The cycle will take at least a month. In that time purchase the skimmer, uv, etc and add as you go. within the month you will have stuff to work on and at the end of the month perfection your ready for fish.
The cycle will take at least a month. In that time purchase the skimmer, uv, etc and add as you go. within the month you will have stuff to work on and at the end of the month perfection your ready for fish.
- Location
- Bronx new york
Dude... go big from now if you can?. If not, you'll be desperate to upgrade like me? I started with a brand new 60 gal cube and i can't wait till i go bigger?.. Now i want at least 90. Be very patient, take your time. I've only been doing this hobby may.
- Location
- East Stroudsburg, PA
If you set yourself up correctly at all in anyway shape or form I a water change should take all of 1/2 hour. I used to do my 65 in about 10-15 minutes. Half hour if I did a lot of turkey basting of the rocks.
No offense man but the idea of this site is not to scare new people away it's to give sound advice and help them along through the process. You should be able to do a water change on a 500 gallon and it still won't take 4 hours.
No offense man but the idea of this site is not to scare new people away it's to give sound advice and help them along through the process. You should be able to do a water change on a 500 gallon and it still won't take 4 hours.
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