have 29 FOWLR tank need everything else

usmcr0811

New member
Ok I don't know what happened to my fist thread but here it goes again. I am wanting to set up a 29 gallon FOWLR tank but only have the tank as of today. The tank does have an undergravel filtration system by from what I have heard I might as well get rid of it and start over. I need to buy from someone or somewhere a good skimmer, live rock, sand, and any other equipment that you people will be willing to recommend/sell/show me where to buy. Please let me know if I need power heads, or any other filtration device....or anything else for that matter. I will have today the 23rd until sunday around 12:00 pm off of work and would be able to go pick up parts. I would like to start cycling this tank by sunday. This tank will hold some clown, starfish (not a must at first), and damsel. Thanks
 
OOPS. My computer was being really slow for some reason and I didn't think it had submitted my first thread. Guess I was wrong
 
wow ogden - I know a guy from ogden....

Anyhow I would start by reading some more on what it takes to run a nano tank and also to figure out what you want in your fowlr (livestock, rocks, etc) this will help figure out what your needs are....
 
I'll rundown a list off the top of my head including the obvious stuff:
Salt - Instant Ocean is readily available at most stores

Hydrometer or Refractomer - Either can measure salt content but refractometer is more accurate.

Heater- One or two rated for your tank size. I prefer two or more as a fail-safe

Sand - Not required. You can have none, a half inch or 6+ inches.

Live Rock - required.You don't need much for a 29 gallon. Maybe 10 to 25 pounds. For fish only I'd go light on the rock unless you have some big fish in there. There are so many people selling live rock around here you should be able to buy it for a dollar a pound. I would buy rock that doesn't have any "pests" on it even if it costs more.

Powerhead - If you aren't going to have a sump, you will definitely need a powerhead or two to move the water around. The fish need a nice flow of water.

Lights - VHO or T-5 lighting is all you need. You can always buy strong lighting if you decide to buy coral.

Skimmer - If you don't have a sump you may want to buy a hang-on skimmer.

Magnet Cleaner - easy way to clean algae on the glass.

RODI filter - I'd recommend filtering your water before adding it to the tank.

Net
 
If yor are only doing a fish only system I would skip the t5 light and all of the expensive lighting and just use a flouresent. If there are no corals you don't need the strong lighting. I would add some pumps as well to circulate the water. Other than that just add some patients before putting in fish!!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10617941#post10617941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sgarrett1108
If yor are only doing a fish only system I would skip the t5 light and all of the expensive lighting and just use a flouresent. If there are no corals you don't need the strong lighting. I would add some pumps as well to circulate the water. Other than that just add some patients before putting in fish!!!

I agree with waiting on the fish. I actually like watching a new tank with LR in it just to see the life without fish picking at it. You can grow some pretty cool things that you wouldn't even realize that are there.
 
thanks for the input all helpful and I have read a lot about this stuff but get confused at what methods can be used instead of others such as using a sump instead of a powehead or vice versa. where can I buy these things for a good price for my size of tank and what should I expect each of these items to cost....does anyone want to sell me anything?
 
I think you really need a good book. This one isn't too big or expensive and has some good info.

BKNMA_99.jpg
 
I second tibbs and the patience idea.
The sump route is the better way to go (IMO) if you have the tank drilled...if this is going to be a qt tank don't worry about a sump, but for the bigger tank (assuming you go bigger) def have a sump system for it!
 
What kind of fish do you want?? that will help answer some basic questions - like - sand bed - rock type - amount of rock - do I need a skimmer - do I need a sump??

I hihgly recommend the book Tibbs recommended - but without knowing more of what you want I hesitate to make any suggestions - some fish may be big pigs and you will need a large sump and skimmer..... some may be specie specific and you could get by with a water change and HOB filter running carbon..... you might have a type of fish who likes to eat other fish ...... or one that needs a lot of hiding places - or one that burrows or jumps or.....
 
^ That man has more sumps than...well he has alot of sumps...

Personal experience from rushing things in my first go round...PATIENCE. I know you want to see stuff happening in the tank but if you rush, the only thing you will see in your tank is stuff dropping like flies. Or if you get really lucky like me, you will get to see a major bacteria bloom first hand.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10623552#post10623552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZLTFUL
^ That man has more sumps than...well he has alot of sumps...

Wife is making me get rid of all the extra stuff laying around.

BTW, I have that 5 gallon ready for you.LMK.
 
Ok, so now I have figured out the live rock, sand, and a sump. Still looking for a skimmer, a return pump, heater, and an RO/DI filter
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10623150#post10623150 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ipiniowa
If you decide on a sump I have a 10 gallon sump with baffles you can have.

Hey I am waaaaaaaaaaay interested - I need a ten gallon sump - let me know how much!
 
hey I exchanged a quick PM and his overall plan is to go form a 29 to a 125.....

with this in mind I would look at a barracuda pump - should be a nice flow low wattage pump. If you are thinking economical I would look at a MAG drive pump..... I would then look at a SCWD on your return..... this will give you some alternating current and a nice return.....

for skimmer look at he one that Allen just listed - not sure if this is in your price range but it would sure be an awesome addition and help keep your nutrient load down!

for heaters I get two or three of the same model and invest in some SPA water thermometers - I got mine for $6 at radio shack. The titanium heaters are nice and if you have two then when (not if) one dies on you then you have an instant back-up.
 
Back
Top