Hi all!
I'm going to be setting up a 120g reef tank in about 8months, but in the meantime I'll be setting up a FOWLR tank - probably a 29gal that will eventually become a coral (SPS) propagation tank when the reef is up and running. So I've only done a reef setup before (Berlin method - MHs, DSB, etc) and I wanted some input from the community.
Let's just assume 29gal, though since it will prolly eventually be a propagation tank I might go with a 20 long. It will house 2 clownfish and possibly a neon blue goby. Standard 2-3" sand bed with about 30lbs LR. No fancy lighting, prolly just whatever comes with it with the bulbs swapped to 10,000K.
It won't have a skimmer, the 120g will have a big one when it gets setup, but none for now. I know filters are a huge problem for a reef, with nitrates and all, but for a FOWLR could I get away with a decent HOB filter? Or do you think it would need a larger canister filter? I'm kinda hesitant to drop $200+ on a canister for a small tank that will be up less than 12 months. When it's a propagation tank it'll be tied into the plumbing with the reef, but I'll keep the filter devoid of everything else but run GAC in it to soak up the stuff the injured (freshly cut) corals will produce.
So, that's what I'm thinking, any input on my plans? Much appreciated!
I'm going to be setting up a 120g reef tank in about 8months, but in the meantime I'll be setting up a FOWLR tank - probably a 29gal that will eventually become a coral (SPS) propagation tank when the reef is up and running. So I've only done a reef setup before (Berlin method - MHs, DSB, etc) and I wanted some input from the community.
Let's just assume 29gal, though since it will prolly eventually be a propagation tank I might go with a 20 long. It will house 2 clownfish and possibly a neon blue goby. Standard 2-3" sand bed with about 30lbs LR. No fancy lighting, prolly just whatever comes with it with the bulbs swapped to 10,000K.
It won't have a skimmer, the 120g will have a big one when it gets setup, but none for now. I know filters are a huge problem for a reef, with nitrates and all, but for a FOWLR could I get away with a decent HOB filter? Or do you think it would need a larger canister filter? I'm kinda hesitant to drop $200+ on a canister for a small tank that will be up less than 12 months. When it's a propagation tank it'll be tied into the plumbing with the reef, but I'll keep the filter devoid of everything else but run GAC in it to soak up the stuff the injured (freshly cut) corals will produce.
So, that's what I'm thinking, any input on my plans? Much appreciated!