New to the salt

Old Glory · 09-01-2011, 04:52 AM

Hi I am new to saltwater. I have been keeping freshwater fish for two years now and I am looking to start a saltwater tank.

I am not looking to set up a reef tank. I have been doing some research online and reading books. I want to start with a FOWLR tank around 90 gallons. For me right now it is all about the fish (I was inspired by a snorkeling trip on my Honeymoon in Hawaii). IF I add corals it will be very hardy fish friendly types. My new wife is going to kill me this is an expensive hobby!

I have been told that a sump is not necessary. The live rock provides ample biological filtration and with a protein skimmer and a canister or HOB filter I would be fine.

I am confused after doing some more research and reading. My goal is a FOWLR. So right now I am looking for the best set up for FOWLR and anemones, urchins, starfish, and possibly some easy corals. Again I am setting this up for the fish so if I can't have corals I will not be disappointed.

I want a sump to increase the water volume and hide the heater and skimmer but I am totally confused as to which method to use. What is the best way to set that up?

My filtration thoughts were:
Live Rock
Canister
Skimmer

My fish wish list is:
3 Yellow Tangs
Flame Angel
Humu Trigger
2 Clowns
Flame Hawkfish
3 Banggai Cardinals
Banner Fish
Wrasse
Lion Fish

1. How should I set up the Sump?
I am getting many different opinions. Can a refugium handle the waste production of fish or is it best for Reefs only? I was told it was critical and but also told that it would not be useful in a FOWLR tank.
Is a Wet/Dry bio-ball set up better for fish...but will it work for limited hardy corals? I was told it would be great for FOWLR but also that it would be a nightmare for Nitrate.
Is there some combination of the two that will work?
2. The LFS told me to just have a sump for a skimmer and heater and to use a canister filter with mixed media. If I go this route can I just use basic 30 gallon tank as a sump and save money, do I need all those baffles?

Advice appreciated

Thanks

Reefing Madness · 09-01-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Glory

Hi I am new to saltwater. I have been keeping freshwater fish for two years now and I am looking to start a saltwater tank.

I have been told that a sump is not necessary. The live rock provides ample biological filtration and with a protein skimmer and a canister or HOB filter I would be fine.
You heard correct, but, you do not need a HOB or a canister filter.

I am confused after doing some more research and reading. My goal is a FOWLR. So right now I am looking for the best set up for FOWLR and anemones, urchins, starfish, and possibly some easy corals. Again I am setting this up for the fish so if I can't have corals I will not be disappointed.
If your adding a Anemone, then you need very strong lighting. Once you have that set in place, you can add any coral.

I want a sump to increase the water volume and hide the heater and skimmer but I am totally confused as to which method to use. What is the best way to set that up?

My filtration thoughts were:
Live Rock

Skimmer

My fish wish list is:
1 Yellow Tangs
Flame Angel
Humu Trigger
2 Clowns
Flame Hawkfish
3 Banggai Cardinals
Banner Fish
Wrasse
Modified your stocking list, as you were not going to get all those fish into a 90. And you picked some fish that would get to big for a 90.

1. How should I set up the Sump?
I am getting many different opinions. Can a refugium handle the waste production of fish or is it best for Reefs only? I was told it was critical and but also told that it would not be useful in a FOWLR tank.
Is a Wet/Dry bio-ball set up better for fish...but will it work for limited hardy corals? I was told it would be great for FOWLR but also that it would be a nightmare for Nitrate.
Ditch the idea about bioi balls, as these will beat you do death on Nitrate issues. Believe it or not, as long as you have suffient Live Rock you will be fine.
Is there some combination of the two that will work?
2. The LFS told me to just have a sump for a skimmer and heater and to use a canister filter with mixed media. If I go this route can I just use basic 30 gallon tank as a sump and save money, do I need all those baffles?
You'll need the baffles as they keep the water level in the center chamber, usually where your skimmer is, and your skimmer needs the water to be level at all times.

Advice appreciated

Thanks

You'll also need at least 14x the water turn over for you tank. Powerheads or a return pump, whichever you prefer. ( wate movement )
Answers in RED

09-01-2011, 04:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
Old Glory Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 10 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 7 Times Said "Thanks" 4 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	New to the salt Hi I am new to saltwater. I have been keeping freshwater fish for two years now and I am looking to start a saltwater tank. I am not looking to set up a reef tank. I have been doing some research online and reading books. I want to start with a FOWLR tank around 90 gallons. For me right now it is all about the fish (I was inspired by a snorkeling trip on my Honeymoon in Hawaii). IF I add corals it will be very hardy fish friendly types. My new wife is going to kill me this is an expensive hobby! I have been told that a sump is not necessary. The live rock provides ample biological filtration and with a protein skimmer and a canister or HOB filter I would be fine. I am confused after doing some more research and reading. My goal is a FOWLR. So right now I am looking for the best set up for FOWLR and anemones, urchins, starfish, and possibly some easy corals. Again I am setting this up for the fish so if I can't have corals I will not be disappointed. I want a sump to increase the water volume and hide the heater and skimmer but I am totally confused as to which method to use. What is the best way to set that up? My filtration thoughts were: Live Rock Canister Skimmer My fish wish list is: 3 Yellow Tangs Flame Angel Humu Trigger 2 Clowns Flame Hawkfish 3 Banggai Cardinals Banner Fish Wrasse Lion Fish 1. How should I set up the Sump? I am getting many different opinions. Can a refugium handle the waste production of fish or is it best for Reefs only? I was told it was critical and but also told that it would not be useful in a FOWLR tank. Is a Wet/Dry bio-ball set up better for fish...but will it work for limited hardy corals? I was told it would be great for FOWLR but also that it would be a nightmare for Nitrate. Is there some combination of the two that will work? 2. The LFS told me to just have a sump for a skimmer and heater and to use a canister filter with mixed media. If I go this route can I just use basic 30 gallon tank as a sump and save money, do I need all those baffles? Advice appreciated Thanks

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