Info for a FO tank

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

I am now thinking maybe to take someone elese's advice and get rid of the reef concept and go Fish Only.

What do I need to have a FO tank? Of course if I need LR I will get some new.

How is a bio-ball type sump or LR only in the sump? Maybe only having 2-3 pieces in the display for the fish to hide.

The tank is a 58 (36x18x21). What good looking fish cound go in this small tank?

I can sell the MH and just add another 10K VHO for lighting.

Whats the ideal setup for FO? Equipment?

[Twitterbait]

FO can go any way. you will still need the basics. many will argue against the bio-balls in the sump... but i have had great success with them. Live rock will improve your filtration capabilities. as far as the fish you can put in, the basic rule is 1 inch of fish for every 5 gallons of water. I kept a Med lionfish and a snowflake moray in a setup about that big with no issues. just remember to take the growth capibility into account when selecting your fish.

[Loverotties]

Yep I agree,You can either LR or bio material but not worth both.And with fish you need to figure what you want in it, and get the less agressive 1st and buy the most agressive last to keep from to muc fighting.And with lights you don't need vho,just reg outputs will do!

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

The theory behind the VHO's is I already have the VHO ballast and lights. I would have to buy a normal outbut fixture then.

In the display, Is 20lbs or LR enough? Can I use LR in the sump like you would for bioballs(trickle)?

Is a Euroreef ES5-3 enough for an agressive FO tank?

I guess a UV is in order. I can probably get one for the sale of my MH and the Tunze Stream pump and the corals that I have.

Should the FO be that nmuch eaiser to keep than the reef?

[Twitterbait]

the amount of LR you want depends on the fish you get and the amount of bio filtration you want. usual is 1lb per gallon, but if you have a fish that need to swim like the tangs then you want to do less to leave plenty of swimming room.

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

What do you thinkn the algae will do? Grow better or worse in a FO? If the tank is full of LR I can see the algae growing there as well.

[Twitterbait]

You will have more algae because more waste will be produced. then again... it depends on your bio-load.

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

Can I make the tnak without LR?

Or maybe I should just make it a trpoical fish tank with goldfish.

[xaoss23]

Originally Posted by Rob_Reef_Keeper

Or maybe I should just make it a trpoical fish tank with goldfish.

AACCK!!! Good Lord No!!! Why is it that you are thinking of getting the LR out? Algae? I think that more rock would actually help your situation (filtration wise). Also, if youre having algae problems, then maybe buy some fish that will feed off of the algae (Free food!).

[Gal5]

WHOAAAA!! I agree, going FO is no reason to get rid of your LR. HEck I have so much I filled a 30gal drilled tank into my sump that full with LR. No such thing as algea problem here. Get a lawnmower Blenney. They mow down algea fast and soon you will have to feed it algea LOL but i love him. Your high output light will encourage algea but if that bothers you just go to HomeDepot or any hardware store and buy a cheap T12 or T8 light fixture(shop light).. I have a(shop light) three bulb T5's on mine with a beveled reflector, kinda bright in the center for my corals but shaded on the side for those that want not so intense lighting,, works great. FO can be a wonderful tank, depending on what you want, the worst fish to have in a reef tank make the most beautiful FO tank yes dare I say it, damsels. they are bright in colors, Any other bright colored fish will work as well. I have an eel now but never see him unless its feeding time. When in doubt stop and think. No hurrying a master piece. Look around at the different fish sites and ponder on a few fish and their needs then make an educated desicion on what you want, not what everyone else wants... You have to look at it...Good luck and please keep us informed on your decision. I love to see pics of FO tanks. Oh by the way Goldfish are only feeders for oscars and Octo's LOL

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

I had Oscars back in the day - they weregood fish until they attacked each other. They lived like 7 years.

I have been battling hair algae for over 2 years and I have had it. Regardless if I go FO or keep a reef I will need new LR. Its the only thing that has not been changed.

[skeety]

okay...felt like chiming in.


For a FO tank, you can go with Bio-balls, you can go with Wet/Dry(Trickle), or LR, or (and this is the key)...ANY combination of the afore-mentioned.

If you decide to go with Bio-balls...the additional LR will HELP. You will STILL need to do water changes, as the nitrate levels with Bio-Balls can get high from time to time. So test for 'trAtes and do water changes accordingly.

The beauty of a FO is...even if you have algae problems on your LR...WHO CARES? The main reason we don't want algae in reef tanks is...they can overgrow the corals, and they are a sign of bad nutrient exporting, which means other chemical levels (phosphates/nitrtates/silicates/etc) are too high for the corals to be healthy.

In a FO, the only problem with Algae...is Asthetics. And in some cases, it actually looks neat.

So if you're having a hair algae problem, and decide to go FO...leave it on there. Chances are good you'll end up with a algae eating fish like a LMB who will LOVE the extra food!

As far as fish for that size tank? Try to stay away from Tangs. If you MUST, please only get one. Almost all tangs need at LEAST a 80 gallon tank.

A Dwarf Lionfish is a pretty good choice. You can get Angels, butterflies, parrot fish...all kinds of stuff that you CAN'T really put in a reef tank. The ONLY thing you really need to worry about, is getting fish that don't like each other. Get this book, or one like it...and look up compatibility. Also double check with your LFS (but please be leary of their advice...some of them just want to sell fish).

As for lights...if you HAVE a VHO fixture...by all means use it. But keep in mind, when it comes time to buy replacement bulbs...it might be cheaper for you to just get a NO fixture then. You do the math when the time comes, and decide then. No point in debating it now.

If you have a skimmer...I'd keep using it. It'll help!

I wish you the best, and hope you keep us posted! I know this is The "REEF" Tank, but I think most of here like FO tanks too! (heck...I have both, as do most on here probably).

HTH

[Twitterbait]

Skeety hit the nail on the head. if you do go freshwater at least do Discus.

[pnkpanther]

Originally Posted by Twitterbait

Skeety hit the nail on the head. if you do go freshwater at least do Discus.

or african cichlids

[bob30329]

Originally Posted by Rob_Reef_Keeper

I have been battling hair algae for over 2 years and I have had it. Regardless if I go FO or keep a reef I will need new LR. Its the only thing that has not been changed.

As someone said earlier, a Lawnmower blenny will fix the hair algae problem.