Difference in set up than reef tanks

[Basile]

I'm doing a tank now, a reef tank. My second one will be larger , but i want it to be a fish only tank. What are the difference in set ups.

For instence i know that the lights do not need to be that performing, what else will i need or not need for that tank. Does the skimmer need to be as good as one for corals reefs. What about waterflow. Thanks for your time.

[DaveK]

My personal choice for a fish only system would be one using live rock. In other words, it's set up the same as reef, except you do not need powerful lighting, and you don't need the extreme water flow.

There are other ways to set up a fish only system. I do not recommend them because after having tried most of them, I have found them to not be as good. In other words, they do not usually maintain the water quality as well.

If your interested in these systems, I recommend you get a few books on state of the are reef systems. Most books outline the other systems, so you have some idea about how they work.

As for skimming, for a fish system, I'd recommend a skimmer at least as powerful as you'd put on a reef. Fish produce a lot more waste products.

Even though fish are not as sensitive to nitrates as corals are, they still do much better if these levels are low. Like any other SW system, water quality is everything.

[Basile]

Originally Posted by DaveK

My personal choice for a fish only system would be one using live rock. In other words, it's set up the same as reef, except you do not need powerful lighting, and you don't need the extreme water flow.

There are other ways to set up a fish only system. I do not recommend them because after having tried most of them, I have found them to not be as good. In other words, they do not usually maintain the water quality as well.

If your interested in these systems, I recommend you get a few books on state of the are reef systems. Most books outline the other systems, so you have some idea about how they work.

As for skimming, for a fish system, I'd recommend a skimmer at least as powerful as you'd put on a reef. Fish produce a lot more waste products.

Even though fish are not as sensitive to nitrates as corals are, they still do much better if these levels are low. Like any other SW system, water quality is everything.

Hey thanks for your time. Someone told me that a uv steriliser would be good to prevent ich, is that true?

[BigAl07]

I'll agree with DaveK here. I know many people run their FO and FOWLR without a skimmer and granted fish don't NEED pristine water like coral do but I at least would SHOOT for that level of water quality. A skimmer just does so MUCH for your water quality and all you have to do is empty it once in a while and keep it clean. It's suck an amazing piece of equipment and the fish will be healthier in the long run.

[Basile]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

I'll agree with DaveK here. I know many people run their FO and FOWLR without a skimmer and granted fish don't NEED pristine water like coral do but I at least would SHOOT for that level of water quality. A skimmer just does so MUCH for your water quality and all you have to do is empty it once in a while and keep it clean. It's suck an amazing piece of equipment and the fish will be healthier in the long run.

Thank guys, i was going for a skimmer anyway but i was wondering what where the difference in equipment i should choose. I Knew lighting was one, don't need to be performing as much. As for the other equipment, its not clear, like i said some told me about ozone reactor for water quality and UV steriliser for ick.What are your toughts on that?

[BigAl07]

I think those are "Up in the air". I honestly don't know anyone locally that runs either of those. I say keep it simple and later on if you NEED one or the other maybe look into it then.

[Basile]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

I think those are "Up in the air". I honestly don't know anyone locally that runs either of those. I say keep it simple and later on if you NEED one or the other maybe look into it then.

Ok thanks, Since its going to be a fish tank, i was going for a long one, what do you think, a 150g long or something like that. I'm planning on having a few tangs yes. at least 2.

[BigAl07]

Sounds like a good size to me. I'm a fan of the 180g size.

What are the dimensions of the 150-L?

[Basile]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Sounds like a good size to me. I'm a fan of the 180g size.

What are the dimensions of the 150-L?

Well, its in the planning. I'll be doing it custom, with starfire glass, and custom stand. Thats next year but i'm planing all details now, power outage i'll need, since it going to be in the same room as my 65 G reef tank. One reason i'm doing an all fish tank is i couldn't hope to plug another complex system like the one of the 65 G reef. So that one wil be simpler and with more fish. In my 65 G i've limit myself to 5 fish. I saw my clowns and my darthfish, explosion of joy at a bigger space , so i,ve learned from my biocube : Who was too crowded that the fish will fair better, with less competition and more room to move. i had 4 fish in the 29 G cube, now i'll have only 5 in the 65 G Plus corals.

[DaveK]

I have to generally agree with BigAl on the subject of UV. I think it does have it's place in some systems, especially for algae control. It will generally NOT control parasite fish diseases such as ich or velvet, unless used at extreme levels.

Consider UV something you may add later on, if you find you have a specific need, otherwise save your money. BTW, UV is a bit tricky to install correctly. a low flow rate through the device is critical.

[StirCrayzy]

I been doing FOWLR for many years now, and have only added some softies within last 5 yrs. If you read through my 40g thread, you will see what i have works well.
Biggest difference from dedicated reefs, is that i run a canister filter.
I keep nitrates below 10ppm, with 5g water change 2nd week of the month, and end of month i change 10g. I would run a fuge if i could make room for 1, but i would treat it like a mini DT, it would have to look sweet.
Also, I never had UV, and in 10 years Ive never had Ick.

[yungreefer2410]

in a Fo tank i would do equal amount of liverock as in a reef tank. a good performing skimmer and a nice hob filter such as an aquaclear. an 3'' sandbed and some flouresent lights. pc if you want some macro algae