lcstorc
Well-Known Member
When most people on this forum speak of fish only IME, they are referring to FOWLR. Most are fans of LR as the best biological filter as you mention. There are varying opinions on DSB, but many people like them. We also have many members who go with a BB tank as well as a large number with sand beds that are not DSB. I would avoid CC as that traps a lot of debris which turns into nitrate and bad news.
In fact the only thing I saw that I would disagree with is the crabs. Personally, I have had bad experiences with crabs eating various animals in the tank. Mostly my snails, but they will eat whatever they can get ahold of including a sleeping or ill fish if they have the opportunity. For that reason I have removed almost all of them from my reef and returned them to my lfs. (A few I just can't seem to catch so they stay until I can get them or untill they go to crabby heaven.)
Shrimp are cool, and depending on the size of your tank and what else you are putting in you can get some neat starfish. Also Conchs and some of the fish are excellent cleaners as well.
I agree with your preference for the natural oganisms and color.
Personally I predict you will end up with a reef somewhere down the line even though you are saying FOWLR now. (I was the same way. The price of Mh lighting scared me so I started w/just fish, then softies, then recently got the lights and am on my way.)
Best of luck. Looking forward to updates as you progress.
In fact the only thing I saw that I would disagree with is the crabs. Personally, I have had bad experiences with crabs eating various animals in the tank. Mostly my snails, but they will eat whatever they can get ahold of including a sleeping or ill fish if they have the opportunity. For that reason I have removed almost all of them from my reef and returned them to my lfs. (A few I just can't seem to catch so they stay until I can get them or untill they go to crabby heaven.)
Shrimp are cool, and depending on the size of your tank and what else you are putting in you can get some neat starfish. Also Conchs and some of the fish are excellent cleaners as well.
I agree with your preference for the natural oganisms and color.
Personally I predict you will end up with a reef somewhere down the line even though you are saying FOWLR now. (I was the same way. The price of Mh lighting scared me so I started w/just fish, then softies, then recently got the lights and am on my way.)
Best of luck. Looking forward to updates as you progress.