Question about FOWLR vs Reef

[Matman1110]

Is the only difference between the two is that reefs have corals/inverts and FOWLR do not?

Also if someone were to have just 1 or 2 corals in their tank is this considered a reef?

I understand that reefs require stronger lighting, but are there other extra equipment i need to maintain a reef?

Thanks in advance

 

[carey]

The fish are also a difference, as some fish are not coral safe. Also the salinity can be kept a bit lower in a fowlr since you dont have corals.

With two corals though, depending on the coral and fish I woudl probably in my mind still consider it a fowlr.

Just my two cents

 

[FTMMWS]

I have a lot of mushrooms and rics but still just a FOWLR in my eyes ,and pretty much everyone else..I also have fish that would completely wreck havoc on a full reef system..
As far as extra equipment ,,i don't know,,have to wait for a reefer to chime in

 

[carey]

As far as equipment goes, yep, you need excellent lighting and usually a protein skimmer if the tank is large enough. I run a sump with skimmer and a refugium on my 125g reef and I also have a 12 bulb lighting system.

Those are the main pieces of equipment for my reef.

 

[Matman1110]

As far as equipment goes, yep, you need excellent lighting and usually a protein skimmer if the tank is large enough. I run a sump with skimmer and a refugium on my 125g reef and I also have a 12 bulb lighting system.

Those are the main pieces of equipment for my reef.

what is a protein skimmer, and is it necessary in a fowlr?

also what is a sump and refugium?

 

[FTMMWS]

what is a protein skimmer, and is it necessary in a fowlr?

also what is a sump and refugium?

This is a touchy subject ..I have never used a skimmer and personally don't think they are a necessity..People who do use them swear by them,but people who don't also say they are not " needed " ...
A sump/fuge is another tank that sits under your DT and contains varies things for your system..