Im thinking about starting a 180g aggressive FOWLR tank with some fish that are notorious for being heavy waste producers. I am wondering if I should go with a wetdry sponge and bioball sump with a protein skimmer, or just a regular reef sump with a protein skimmer and a fuge with some chaeto and LR/LS. Thanks
Equipment Question
- Thread starter peterk814
- Start date
paulamrein
New member
I would have to say it depends on how much rock you are putting in. LR and LS is essential so if the wetdry is replacing that, than I would definitely go with option #2
paulamrein
New member
Really it's mostly preference. There will be more nitrates with your wetdry and bioballs. But in the same token, the fuge/chaeto will take out nitrates. Most say that nitrates won't really hurt fish, nitrites don't even really hurt the fish so either way will work as long as other good tank maintenance ie. water changes no overcrowding etc is done.
mattsilvester
Team RC
peterk - an indicative stocking plan would be useful......
without LS / LR you will have lots of big water changes to do.... if you have somehwere to mix the water, and can easily pump it to/from the disaply, then a wet/dry set up does have its advantages.
LR/LS / Cheato is great for minimising teh need for water changes by being very effective at breaking down waste... completely. On the other side of that coin if you have alot of fish which are defeacating heavily, the in-tank sand bed might get clogged up very quickly......
Alot depends on types adn nubmers of fish......
Cheers,
Matt
without LS / LR you will have lots of big water changes to do.... if you have somehwere to mix the water, and can easily pump it to/from the disaply, then a wet/dry set up does have its advantages.
LR/LS / Cheato is great for minimising teh need for water changes by being very effective at breaking down waste... completely. On the other side of that coin if you have alot of fish which are defeacating heavily, the in-tank sand bed might get clogged up very quickly......
Alot depends on types adn nubmers of fish......
Cheers,
Matt
paulamrein
New member
Well, you have just listed the biggest waste producers you can have in the tank 
All in all though, I am pretty sure your rock will handle your ammonia, and assuming you have/get a skimmer that is rated 1.5 to 2 times your volume the waste should be under control. chaeto (or depending on your location another form of macro, some states outlaw certain marco alga) It should help with the inevitable nitrate concentration. This is your best bet. Also, with the exception of the crosshatch pair, I would introduce all fish one at a time and give it a month or two between fish. And, you didn't ask, but I would also recommend QT all fish as well for at least 6 weeks considering the ticket price of those fish. If QT is somewhat a new concept for you, there is the fish disease and treatment forum with tons of information that is probably the backbone of this hobby.
All in all though, I am pretty sure your rock will handle your ammonia, and assuming you have/get a skimmer that is rated 1.5 to 2 times your volume the waste should be under control. chaeto (or depending on your location another form of macro, some states outlaw certain marco alga) It should help with the inevitable nitrate concentration. This is your best bet. Also, with the exception of the crosshatch pair, I would introduce all fish one at a time and give it a month or two between fish. And, you didn't ask, but I would also recommend QT all fish as well for at least 6 weeks considering the ticket price of those fish. If QT is somewhat a new concept for you, there is the fish disease and treatment forum with tons of information that is probably the backbone of this hobby.
mattsilvester
Team RC
paulamrein just about summed it up 
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