50g fowlr

[inverttank]

Hello everyone,
I am planning to start a standard 50g fowlr , and I want to try filtration with lr, sand, a skimmer and sone powerheads only. I'm planning to add around 75 lbs live rock with 2 1800L/h powerheads. Not sure yet w/c skimmer to get but I want to ask how deep my sand bed should be? I'm planning to keep 2-3 banggai cardinals and maybe some black clownfish + CUC and maybe 2 banded shrimps

Thank you!

 

[Reefing Madness]

1-2" sand bed if your not planning on going with whats called a Deep Sand Bed, which is over 4" and up.

 

[inverttank]

Hmm, thank you for the reply, I have read that deep sand beds are "time bombs" and would wreck a tank after some time, is there a way to avoid that? Thanks again

 

[Reefing Madness]

To avoid the time bomb? Yea, don't run a deep sand bed. I personally don't like them for that reason, but its a possibility for some, as it grows bacteria that brings down Nitrates. There are quite a few who do use it also without issues. You just can't go poking at it once its established.

 

[chefb_5]

I would go with 1-2" sand bed. If sand bed is way to thick then take little at a time when u do water changes.

 

[inverttank]

Im more worried about the CUC messing with it than water changes, but I think I'll stick with the 2"deep just to be sure, thank you for the tips

 

[Reefing Madness]

Na, the CUC doesn't go deep enough to make any trouble with a Deep Sand Bed. Usually. They tell you not to run sand sifting critters when going with a DSB also, for that reason, mostly the snails just bury themselves in the surface, and pop back up when its time to hunt. But I wouldn't put in regular sand sifting critters.

 

[inverttank]

I see, but i think ill just stick to 2" deep. Oh by the way, would my set up be alright as i have mentioned above? Or do I need to add a mechanical filter?

 

[Reefing Madness]

No need for mechanical filter. Your going with plenty of rock. The skimmer is going to be your big purchase, make sure its a big one, as this is your biggest helper.

 

[inverttank]

Alright, thank you very much!

 

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