FOWLR question

[ChoxRox]

Hey guys!
I currently run a 27g reef cube with no real problems at all. I'm running it pretty barebones, so I'm not sure about how to set up a FOWLR.

In my current set up, I am not running a sump or skimmer, but I am thinking of converting my 55g to salt. It's running with a Fluval 405 canister filter. Should I use this? Is it useless? Again, I'm a pretty big noob when it comes to filtration, so any tips on a 55g would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Also, suggest some of your favorite fish to me (that can be comfortable for life in a 55g-- even though my 120 will be converted at a later date as well).

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I run a Fluval 305 and a Deltec MCE600 skimmer on my 55 reef. You can do a FOWLR with a canister filter and it will be OK. However, maintenance is a pain. You have to clean the tubing and the canister frequently as part of the weekly or biweekly maintenance. There is a fine line between the filter being a nitrate factory or being a beneficial part of the system. I would recommend a skimmer and a HOB refugium.

In my 55, I have 2 clowns, a royal dottyback, a starry blenny, and lemon peel angel. These guys are great together. The possibilities are endless. It depends on what your interests are.

 

[ChoxRox]

I run a Fluval 305 and a Deltec MCE600 skimmer on my 55 reef. You can do a FOWLR with a canister filter and it will be OK. However, maintenance is a pain. You have to clean the tubing and the canister frequently as part of the weekly or biweekly maintenance. There is a fine line between the filter being a nitrate factory or being a beneficial part of the system. I would recommend a skimmer and a HOB refugium.

In my 55, I have 2 clowns, a royal dottyback, a starry blenny, and lemon peel angel. These guys are great together. The possibilities are endless. It depends on what your interests are.

Well, after talking to the man of the house, he wants to convert the 120g instead (woot!). Would an fx5 have the same problems? Would I need a sump for a tank that big or could HOB filters work?

 

[robert]

I started my 120 without a sump. Just a HOB remora-pro skimmer and a odyssea canister filter. It worked and I kept corals just fine for the better part of a year.

I have since added an external overflow, sump and upgraded skimmer. You don't have to do it all at once if you plan ahead just a little.

IMPORTANT - If you set-up HOB without a sump and overflow, remember to leave enough room between the tank and the wall that should you decide to upgrade later, you can fit the overflow without draining and moving the tank. -

 

[azjohnny]

I would run your tank with a sump
You could have the tank drain into a filter sock and through a good protein skimmer. This would enable you to not use a canister filter which would make maintenance much easier. All you would have to do is change out socks and clean the skimmer cup

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[steamer51]

Your canister filter is not useless if you go with traditional live rock filtration, with or without a sump and skimmer. They make excellent media reactors to run carbon etc.

 

[ChoxRox]

I should add, that the tank is not drillable. I'm not very educated on overflows and such... but anybody know what size HOB I would need for a 120g?

 

[robert]

600 gph overflow minimum

1200 gph (preferred)

 

[Nemoose]

I use an HOB overflow box and sump on my reef. But, my FOWLR is running with a marineland canister and doing just fine.

 

[BarbH]

If it was me I would go ahead with the sump from the get go. I have a 72gal right now that is running as a FOWLR system until I can upgrade my lighting. Currently I don't have a sump on my system but will be adding one in the near future. One of the biggest issues that I have is trying to figure out the largest size sump I will be able to fit under my stand because of the front and back center brace I am limited size wise what I can get in under my stand, unless I drain and empty the entire tank so that I can take it off the stand to remove the top center brace and drop the sump in from the top. Had I planned for my sump 5 months ago when I was setting up the tank I could have made this much easier on myself. There are several different options for doing an overflow on a tank that can't be drilled external overflows, there is even one that I saw done with pvc pipe, here is a link from the dyi section on this https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/88164-my-solution-non-drilled-tanks.html#post959539