Would A Fo System Be Better For A Beginner?

[TylerFerretLord]

I'm still doing research on keeping saltwater tanks(And yet I've only just beome more aware of what I don't know), and I have plans to get a large tank, mabye 100-150 gallons, and trying to set it up as a saltwater tank.

My question is, should I start out with a FO tank with some hardy fish, and eventually upgrade to a FOWLR, or should I start out with the FOWLR?

And can anyone give me an idea on what to do first for a FOWLR tank? Should I add the LR and sand, then fish, then CUC, or am I wrong?

Thank ou for any help.

 

[AK77]

Personally I think a FOWLR is probably better for a beginner than a FO tank. The reason being is that the nitrifying bacteria resides in the LR, which feeds on ammonia and nitrite, producing nitrates.

A FO tank, running an external filter for example, will take time for the nitrifying bacteria to become established in the filter media and in my view, is easier to crash than a FOWLR. You also don't have the hassle of cleaning the filters every few weeks, as a FOWLR tank only requires powerheads to create good water flow around the rocks.

FOWLR sequence is

LR
Sand (I'd suggest it in that order as the rocks will be touching the glass and sand packed around it, thereby avoiding rock slides if the base sinks into the sand)
Salt water
Wait for Ammonia/Nitrites/Nitrates to bottom out (well at least ammonia and nitrites to read 0)
CUC (snails, hermits, no starfish as tank will be too immature)
Fish

 

[STD]

Yup I'd definitely go FOWLR

 

[andywg]

It is up to you. FO will require some more maintenance, though the nitrates won't become a worry if you stock as light as most FOWLR tanks are. Fish are far more tolerant of nitrates than many give them credit for.

I would probably be happier investing money into a very good skimmer if I already had a filter rather than spend out for LR. However, the cost of a decent filter is often not too far from LR.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

I won't need a filter with a FOWLR? That something most of the articles I read forgot to mention.

Thanks, I guess I'll go for the FOWLR, then eventually add some corals.

What should I get for a CUC? AK77 said snails and hermits, any specific types?

What are some good fish for someone new? I am interested in clowns and gobies, which seem to be hardy from my research.

 

[AK77]

I won't need a filter with a FOWLR? That something most of the articles I read forgot to mention.

Thanks, I guess I'll go for the FOWLR, then eventually add some corals.

What should I get for a CUC? AK77 said snails and hermits, any specific types?

What are some good fish for someone new? I am interested in clowns and gobies, which seem to be hardy from my research.

Ideally you want a mix of several types. Some primarily clean rocks and glass, others tend to burrow through the substrate and eat detritus. Astrea, trochus, cerith and nassarius snails are all very good. As for hermits, I'd recommend the mexican red legs or blue micro (tri colour) as they are reef safe and pretty much non aggressive. The reds do tend to be more expensive, about £2.50 -£3 a throw, but are worth it because of their colouration and algae eating. They also wont go eating your snails, as some hermits will.

 

[Musho3210]

remember that nassarius dont eat algae as their main diet. So dont get them until you have fish and have been feeding on a regular basis.

Also with hermits, there is always a chance of them getting violent with each other or with snails no matter the type, just some less than others. Remember to give them lots of empty shells when they need them which helps ease out aggression.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

remember that nassarius dont eat algae as their main diet. So dont get them until you have fish and have been feeding on a regular basis.

Also with hermits, there is always a chance of them getting violent with each other or with snails no matter the type, just some less than others. Remember to give them lots of empty shells when they need them which helps ease out aggression.

Thanks for the info.

For my first fish I'm thinking either Dascyllus aruanus(Three-Striped Damsel) or Amphiprion ocellaris. Any obvious(or hidden) difficulties regarding these fish, or any suggestions as to which to get? How many should I get, also.

As you can see, I like the black and white coloring.

 

[Lynden]

Dascyllus are great fish but can become very aggressive as they mature. By contrast, Amphiprion ocellaris is a weaker fish, but won't get as aggressive. You might want to rethink this, though, since everyone and there friggen' dog has ocellaris clowns. Not very unique.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Being unique does not concern me, so long as I enjoy what I'm doing.

I'll probably go with the ocellaris, most likely the melanistic form. Is that original enough?

 

[Lynden]

Okay, okay... mature the tank with the clown then buy a nice big lionfish.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Can lionfish be kept with corals? I want to eventually get some once I feel comfortable with keeping just fish.

Also, lionfish are beautiful.

 

[Musho3210]

its a risk that many people take, there are many people with sucesses with lions and reefs, others with terrible failures.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

its a risk that many people take, there are many people with sucesses with lions and reefs, others with terrible failures.

Hmm... I'll have to think about that.

When I finally set up the tank, should I add the live sand and rock all at once? Or should I add it in gradually?

Also, since you are supposed to keep the rock on the bottom of the tank and not the sand to prevent it from falling, this does mean I should have the bottom part of the rock buried, right?

Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to avoid any big mistakes.

Thanks for answering them.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Anyone able to answer me?