Starting Out, Few Questions

[saulsilver1]

29G FOWLR tanks with a 20G long sump. I'm at the point now where it's either **** or get off the pot. I'm wanting to go all into this hobby and just having a 20 gallon nano isn't enough.

1) My first question is, how necessary is a protein skimmer? I've read quite a bit about them and they immensely improve water quality, but with a FOWLR tank it's not absolutely necessary at first? I would like to start getting into corals around the first of the year I assume it's a crucial piece of equipment for successfully keeping corals?

2) My second question is, is it necessary to quarantine a fish for 4-6 weeks? I have a clown that's been quarantined for 3 weeks and isn't showing any signs of sickness, and have my tank and everything cycled and good to go, should I wait the extra week or just put him in the tank?

3) Is it fine to quarantine more than one fish in a tank? Right now I'm quarantine a Goby and a Clownfish in two different tanks. Is it fine to quarantine two fish in the same QT?

4) Bulk Reef Supply - Carbon and GFO Reactors

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single - Bulk Reef Supply

Is it necessary to run a carbon reactor? And running a GFO reactor will decrease the possibility of Coraline algae growing, correct? Is it worth it to get a dual BRS reactor or is the single one fine?

 

[mr_X]

1. It's a filter that cleans the water. How necessary is up to you- your bio load, feeding habits, and water change regimen. It's not mandatory for a reef tank if the above mentioned factors are good.

2. I personally, would put the clown in the DT. This question is a matter of opinion.

3. If I was going to QT multiple fish, I would do so in a single tank.

4. No. It's not necessary. Neither is GFO, if the factors mentioned in answer #1 are addressed. Redasonable bio load, reasonable feeding, and adequate nutrient export.