New FOWLR tank - Aquarium Advice

blue02celi · 09-04-2006, 08:36 PM

hi
I've been searching around and looking up info on FOWLR setups and had a few questions, mostly about sump tanks. Are they hard to make? I pretty much understand whats going on in the sump, I guess im stuck on exactly how its getting to and from the main tank. I know you use a pump to get it back in, is it being siphoned into the sump? I dont have a hole in my tank and dont see myself putting one in so I would have to use an overflow right?

also what I was planning on at first was to just have the LR for a while before i got any fish to put in the tank and after I got all that set up then add the fish later on. I've heard that some people dont use filters if they have enough LR to match their tank size. I have a 55 gal which is 48x12x18 in height. I have a small 10 gallon that isnt in use so i was thinking I might be able to use that for something...

everything seems like its getting confusin

so much reading and I feel like I havent understood anything lol
any info and help is appreciated
thanks

Hara · 09-04-2006, 08:41 PM

What you are describing is exactly what my eel tank is. I have an overflow box rated at 1200 gph. Live rock is the filtration. Return line goes into a spray bar. The only other mechanics is a protein skimmer and heater in the sump.

I would think you would want something a little bigger then 10 gallons for your sump. Maybe a 20 long.

schulze · 09-05-2006, 10:25 AM

Here's a link you might like on how to build an overflow box:

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html

I have never tried to build one, but i find it tempting. I just built my first stand and Im very happy with that, it allowsed me to put a 10 gallon below my 20 gallon so that i can turn it into a sump once i get brave enough to try and overflow box.

Cafe Jeff · 09-05-2006, 11:03 AM

Hi,
Is a 55 gallon big enough for an eel?
Also, what kind of eel do you have and is he a little promiscuous when it comes to eating? Jeff

**roka64** · 09-05-2006, 12:21 PM

I believe Hara has a 100G eel tank.
I don't think promiscuous is the right word, in this context....

Hara · 09-05-2006, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cafe Jeff

Hi,
Is a 55 gallon big enough for an eel?
Also, what kind of eel do you have and is he a little promiscuous when it comes to eating? Jeff

Hi,
I dont want to hijack this thread talking about the eels, I would be glad to answer any question you have via pm though!
Thanks.

Cafe Jeff · 09-05-2006, 01:30 PM

My apologies.
Thread is back.

mnestroy · 09-06-2006, 01:38 AM

Are you just starting your tannk?

U'll find lots of people who have gotten by with just live rock...

I am making a sump myself.... unfortunately i purchased a hang on the back protein skimmer that... isnt designed for a sump, so if you have the money research and by all the right equipment so things work together...

1. Overflow
2. Sump
3. Protein Skimmer (for inside your sump)

09-04-2006, 08:36 PM	#1
blue02celi Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1	New FOWLR tank hi I've been searching around and looking up info on FOWLR setups and had a few questions, mostly about sump tanks. Are they hard to make? I pretty much understand whats going on in the sump, I guess im stuck on exactly how its getting to and from the main tank. I know you use a pump to get it back in, is it being siphoned into the sump? I dont have a hole in my tank and dont see myself putting one in so I would have to use an overflow right? also what I was planning on at first was to just have the LR for a while before i got any fish to put in the tank and after I got all that set up then add the fish later on. I've heard that some people dont use filters if they have enough LR to match their tank size. I have a 55 gal which is 48x12x18 in height. I have a small 10 gallon that isnt in use so i was thinking I might be able to use that for something... everything seems like its getting confusin so much reading and I feel like I havent understood anything lol any info and help is appreciated thanks

09-05-2006, 11:03 AM	#4
Cafe Jeff Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 511	Hi, Is a 55 gallon big enough for an eel? Also, what kind of eel do you have and is he a little promiscuous when it comes to eating? Jeff __________________ In theory there should be no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.

09-05-2006, 01:30 PM	#7
Cafe Jeff Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 511	My apologies. Thread is back. __________________ In theory there should be no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.

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09-05-2006, 10:25 AM	#3
schulze Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Harrisonburg, VA & Montross, VA Posts: 55 Images: 3	Here's a link you might like on how to build an overflow box: http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html I have never tried to build one, but i find it tempting. I just built my first stand and Im very happy with that, it allowsed me to put a 10 gallon below my 20 gallon so that i can turn it into a sump once i get brave enough to try and overflow box.

09-06-2006, 01:38 AM	#8
mnestroy Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 72	Are you just starting your tannk? U'll find lots of people who have gotten by with just live rock... I am making a sump myself.... unfortunately i purchased a hang on the back protein skimmer that... isnt designed for a sump, so if you have the money research and by all the right equipment so things work together... 1. Overflow 2. Sump 3. Protein Skimmer (for inside your sump)