Fish vs. reef tank

[Lee Laviolette]

I'm learning lots about setting up reef tanks from the threads, thanks to all! This raised the question, what is different from an equipment perspective in a big fish tank?

I'd prefer to build a huge reef but I am under the impression that the aggressive fish I want to keep will destroy it, so I guess that it is a fish tank that I should build. Is this right?

Thanks in advance for replies!

[Geoff]

most of the basic setup is the same. you will use a lot less LR. swimming room will be more important than realestate for coral placements. depending on the amount of fish, you may want to use a wet/dry filter for processing the ammonia. this will usually mean you will need to do water changes to get the nitrates down. you will still want a lot of water flow to keep the detritus down.

G~

[kini]

You need to look at a compatibility chart like this one.

http://www.reefs.org/library/compatibility.html

[wanareef]

As Geoff stated for a FOWLR the equipment needed, but in a reef tank you would not need a wet/dry but a sump and fuge is what most are running, as well as a skimmer and other equipment to help keep the calicum levels up.

Depnding on the type of corals, will depend on the type of lights you will need, again in a FOWLR just NO (normal output bulbs are needed. You would still have water changes to do - just can't get away from that.