School me on fish only tanks

[Dana]

I have a 30g reef and a 55 freshwater.
I'm not really into the freshwater as much and would like to convert it to salt fish only, fake decorations ect....
So as far as what I really need... Basic lighting? Will my eheim canister be suitable filtration? Sand bed? I'm assuming skimmer is a definite
Thanks

 

[KoleTang]

I wouldn't use a canister filter. Just a hassle and traps nutrients.

Basically, think reef, except you don't need things that are meant for corals. ie, dosers, intense light, etc.

Fish still deserve optimal water quality, so a big skimmer and maybe some reactors are good. Light is all aesthetic based, you just need to like the look and be able to see the fish's colors.

 

[Dana]

Thanks.
So would a sump be better? Or just circulation and skimmer? All 3?
Any thoughts on sanded? Deep or maybe shallow?

 

[Salty heart]

I wanna know too!! I am hoping one day to have a big fish only tank--i currently have a 125 gal reef tank and would love to have a tank for some of the more colorful and dangerous fish--lionfish,eel,puffer,etc..

 

[Dana]

Exactly what I'm thinking....

 

[Dana]

I have a yellow tang in my 30. He's very small, but I would like to move him into a larger tank with some more diverse fish, that aren't reef compatible

 

[Squishie89]

A 55 is still pretty small for a yellow tang all things considered.
A sump would be best, more water, place for equipment.
Sandbed; depends what kind of fish you want. I suggest you start looking at getting together a potential stock list so you know what you need or don't need.

 

[Inigomontoya]

I agree with squishie, a 55 gal is tough for a FOWLR (fish only with live rock)- you could maybe get a dwarf angel but your stocking list would still be limited. Most of the fish you want to put in a FOWLR require a good amount of room, angels, butterflys, triggers, maybe a predatory tank, etc. If you go for it you will still want a sump, skimmer, I would also recommend a sandbed. I think bare bottoms look best with zoas or encrusting corals taking over the bottom. With a FOWLR that's not an option. Plus a sandbed does add stability to the system.

 

[Dana]

Well I'm looking to do an artificial tank. No live rock or anything. I already have my reef tank.

 

[Dana]

I will take the advise and do a sump. My eheim is in excellent condition so I'll sell it for something I'm sure.
I can just leave the t5 lamps for now.
Grab a skimmer for sump and dril the tank. Then shallow sand and artificial decorations. I want to keep it simple and fun

 

[Dana]

Would bio balls be preferred in my case?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Yup. Those'll do ya. Especially if your going sump, just get one with a Bio Ball tray.

 

[Dana]

Thanks. I did see some with bio balls included, all finished, ready to go on eBay.
I guess my first order of business is to find a good home for my freshwater fish.

 

[Reefing Madness]