Finally figured out what FOWLR stands for.

[piao liang yu]

I posted in the reef forum about a month or so ago asking questions when in actuality the FOWLR route is what I will go to start with. Initially I was going to go with an all in one self contained biocube, but that deal fell through so now I a going to convert my 16 gallon bow front into a FOWLR with the plan to add corals over time after I maintain the FOWLR successfully for a while.

My question is 16 pounds of live rock and 16 pounds of live sand should be all I need to get going correct? I have an internal filter rated up to 30 gallons I plan to use to start out, but not sure if I should use the media that is intended for it or use a different type of media like purigen bags? Also, for a tank that size how many wave makers do I need. I assume I need one to move the water column and one to agitate the surface? I read that a protein skimmer is not necessary, but I also heard and read that without a protein skimmer it is hard to keep a saltwater tank clean. I plan to do a partial water change weekly at the same time that I do my weekly 50% pwc on my 60 gallon freshwater tank. How much should I change weekly for a FOWLR tank?

I plan to use just the regular light that came with the bow front kit. It is just a standard light not suitable for plants or coral, but I assume that will be ok to start with if I am just going with FOWLR to begin with correct? Any and all information about starting a FOWLR would be appreciated. Also, I asked this question before, but cannot find the responses, but what are my stocking options for a 16 gallon bow front? I would really like a pair of clowns, but if having a pair would be a potential issue in that size tank then please give alternative recommendations. I plan to get a clean up crew from one of the online stores that specialize in that, but any insight on that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks guys.

 

[Angelo russo]

I would double the sand you want at least a 2 inch sand bed and as far as protien skimmer u should be fine with out one if u do monthly water changes I would suggest about 5 gallons a week in the beginning and after a month or so u can do changes once a month I had a 20 gallon fowlr and I can tell u it is a constant maintenance thing every week being it is such a small amount of water it has to be maintained constantly one little spike will wipe out your whole tank I would clean canister filter once a week w saltwater to prevent high nitrate levels. My best advice to u is ditch the 16 gallon and get a 100 gallon if possible the bigger the tank the easier to maintain I upgraded to a 100 long and it's been a pleasure

 

[Grizz]

You may want to look through the Nano section of this forum lots of great info there. Good luck on the tank.