Getting Ready to Start a FOWLR, Suggestions?

[Fichmiester]

Greetings everyone!

Getting back into the hobby after a 4 year hiatus, and want to upgrade my tank.

Previously I had a 50gal Reef tank, and am planning on going FOWLR due to fish types I want, etc...

Any recommendation on tank sizes? Im considering 125 gal but not sure if I really want to go higher than that.

Also, how much should I be looking to spend on a tank/setup?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!! A 180 gal tank isn't much bigger than a 125 gal tank. A 180 is 72x24x24, a 125 is 72x18x21.

 

[Fishnut]

Welcome back to the hobby. What kind of fish do you want to keep? That will dictate tank size

 

[Fichmiester]

Welcome back to the hobby. What kind of fish do you want to keep? That will dictate tank size

Thanks so much! Definitely interested in Angels, Tangs, and Triggers as the larger fish. Of course with smaller stuff sprinkled in as well.

 

[Fichmiester]

Welcome to R2R!!! A 180 gal tank isn't much bigger than a 125 gal tank. A 180 is 72x24x24, a 125 is 72x18x21.

Agreed, the initial cost of the tank definitely goes up a bit though

 

[MERKEY]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

 

[Ryan3313]

 

[Uncle99]

Welcome back, yes it is hard to leave this hobby permanently once hooked.
As big as reasonably possible, especially if your going to keep more aggressive species. Room is important.
In Canada, cost wise180g Fowler, tank, rock, sand, sump, pumps, heaters, lighting, RODI filter….$7-$9k for a top of the class rimless new + the cost of fish.

Enjoy your build!

 

[G Santana]

Welcome aboard, the price isn't the issue, it's whether you can hide the receipts from your significant other lol
Good luck on your build!!!

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome!

 

[Billldg]

Agreed, the initial cost of the tank definitely goes up a bit though

The cost of the actual tank will go up, no doubt, but most of the stuff you would buy for a 125 will work on a 180.

I would suggest finding a limit on what you are willing to spend, and then go from there. I just upgraded to a custom 225 CDA tank, along with all the bells and whistles, so don't ask me...LOL!!! ;Hilarious ;Hilarious

 

[PeterC99]

Welcome to R2R!

Always trade offs between the different sizes. Go with the size most comfortable with and fits budget best.

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[DaddyFish]

Welcome to R2R!

I have done several FOWLR tanks in recent years and still operate one 90-gal. You mentioned "triggers" which are among my favorite fish. However, they do not play well with others. Even the small ones are like annoying little ankle biters. You're going to need 6'/72"/1800mm of tank with some creative aquascaping to give everyone their safe places.

 

[DaddyFish]

This CADE makes an excellent FOWLR system for tangs and triggers and lions, Oh MY!!!


CADE 1800 Peninsula Series 2

 

[DaddyFish]

Thanks so much! Definitely interested in Angels, Tangs, and Triggers as the larger fish. Of course with smaller stuff sprinkled in as well.

@Fichmiester
I just realized you are in Charlotte. PM me if you want to see any of my tanks, equipment or misbehaving children.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Welcome
Tanks are like boats. Go as big as you can.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and back to the salty world. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[Fish Think Pink]

Greetings everyone!

Getting back into the hobby after a 4 year hiatus, and want to upgrade my tank.

Previously I had a 50gal Reef tank, and am planning on going FOWLR due to fish types I want, etc...

Any recommendation on tank sizes? Im considering 125 gal but not sure if I really want to go higher than that.

Also, how much should I be looking to spend on a tank/setup?

Thanks so much in advance!

Welcome!

Glad you joined. Depends what/how you want to stock FOWLR and your capacity for cleaning tanks. I've had 5 simultaneous FOWLRs going years ago with largest at 55g, and feel that was about as much effort for more gallons as one reef 180g that I have today. If I had more space, then I'd have another tank or 3.

EDIT: weight of my 180g empty is considerable - had to hire people to move full tank, and they used specialized equipment to move once drained and livestock in bins - another reason for multiple & smaller tanks (and if something doesn't get along... I no longer have rehome options within my own home)

When it comes to spending ... I try to buy used locally to keep costs down. DIY when it works can be a money saver and if it doesn't work then it was just some lost efforts (and usually minimal material costs).