Returning to SW, need some advise on set-up

[KDLutz32963]

Hi All,
I am new to this site and have alot of questions about setting up a FOLR system...
Years ago I had a 40+ Gal SW and then a 20 Gal SW. Both were fairly easy to maintain. Both had Marineland bio-wheels. Recently I have decided to return to SW as a hobby. For start up equipment I have a 27 gal hexagon tank, a magnum 350 canister filter, and a 2-light fluorscent fixture with one 15 W fluorscent 18,000 K Power-Glo bulb. I see alot of new products on the market and I would like advice on where to go from here. I want a FOLR tank with 3 or 4 fish, maybe a yellow tang, a clown and some damsels. Any advice would be appreciated. Here are some Qs:
1) I want to get a protein skimmer and LR (in lieu of using the canister for filtration) but I am not sure on how to set up a protein skimmer with a hex tank. The tank has a DIY wood hood which I guess can be modified to accomodate a HOT skimmer. Does anyone have experience with setting up a skimmer for a hex tank? Can it be housed in the cabinet below or does it have to be attached directly to the outside of the tank? Can you recommend a particular skimmer?
2) Same for the power head... any kind in particular to easily use on a hex tank?
3) What additional lighting might be needed in additon to the power-glo bulb? Can the balast be replaced on a light fixture as only one of the light outlets is functional.
Hope you can help!

 

[Ziggy953]

Welcome to AA!

A tang is out of the question in such a small tank.

Water changes, your bio wheel and enough live rock will be adequate filtration on a 27g tank. 1.5-2lbs per gallon on the LR. You are going to be very limited on the fish you can keep with this tank. You could get away with a pair of clowns and maybe one other fish (a shrimp goby or something similar). A skimmer really isn't that important on a small tank as long as you do regular PWCs (I suggest weekly) and have some other form of filtration. As for water flow you can look into a Korallia Nano or two. If you are going FOWLR then lighting isn't all that imporant either it is more for your viewing pleasure.

 

[KDLutz32963]

Thanks. Was really wanting a yellow Tang again. What is the recommended tank size for a tang and one clown? Maybe I will go with alarger tank.

 

[Ziggy953]

For a yellow tang I would not suggest anything smaller then 75g. The yellow tang tends to do better then most others in smaller systems but still needs at least a 4' tank.

 

[melosu58]

I agree with the tang. Needs a much bigger tank. I also agree that a skimmer for that size tank is not needed. PWC`s and LR and your bio wheel is all that`s needed.