Inverts for FOWLR system

[LiveRockRob]

Hi All,

I'm thinking ahead to stocking my aquarium with inverts, and was wondering if FOWLR systems have different requirements than the Reef Aquarium.

Is the main factor lighting? or the need for corals, etc.

My plans thus far include building a FOWLR system based on Diamond Goby and Sailfin Tang - (Desjardini). Lots of live rock and Aragonite substrate fine enough for the Goby.

Thanks for the feedback.

LiveRockRob!!!

 

[E.intheC]

what type of inverts are you speaking of? If you mean snails, crabs, shrimp, etc.. they don't need any special lighting. You will want to be sure you acclimate them a bit longer and watch your water parameters a bit more. They don't like temp or salinity changes, and as a whole are less tolerant of nitrates in your system.

What fish do you have in your FOWLR (besides the Tang and the Goby?) Some fish will eat your inverts.

 

[LiveRockRob]

My tank is not set up yet. I'm just thinking ahead and wanted to see if there are any requirements for curtain inverts so that I consider getting equipment that will support them.

I know that clams require very intense lighting. Are there other inverts with special requirements?

Thanks

Robert

 

[E.intheC]

oh, ok.. I see how you're thinking.. Yes, clams require quite high lighting, for sure. They also require stability, and calcium amongst other things. You'll definitely want a great skimmer (IMO, regardless of setup) but especially with clams.

sounds like you'll be making this a full reef tank before you know it

 

[LiveRockRob]

So, I guess if I'm planning on a FOWLR system, I should start just with the live rock and fish. Once the parameters stabilize, add inverts.

So, as far as Fish Only with Live Rock definition. should think that it is:

• 
  Aquarium with Live Rock and Fish Only (No Inverts, No Corals)?

• 
  Aquarium with Live Rock, Fish, and some inverts (No Corals)?

1) What type of cleanup crew would work best for a FOWLR tank?
2) Additional interesting inverts are cool looking and would work in my setup?
3) Since my two initial fish purchases would be Diamond Goby and Sailfin Tang - (Desjardini) what other fish would you suggest I keep in an 80 Gal tank that would make it more interesting and vibrant?

Currently, the tank is still dry, so I'm trying to gather all the info and have a plan of action prior to filling it up.

Thank you all for your input.

Robert

 

[Fizz71]

You are right, some inverts are just as bad as corals...so without good lighting you'll need to nix the idea of clams and anemones, but that's all I can think of that really need high light.

One major consideration is future tank inhabitants. Those with reef tanks know that there are certain fish we tend to avoid, but you would be able to keep...like triggers and other fish with nasty teeth. I will never put a trigger in my reef tank because they are clean-up crew killers.

I can't think of any reason to make your cleanup crew any different than a reef with the exeception of the possibility of having predators. So I would look at what you want to put in your tank first to decide what you can get for a cleanup crew.

And I'm sorry, since I've never stocked a FOWLR I wouldn't dare make a suggestion of what to get...you DO have better options than me.

 

[E.intheC]

Good questions Rob. I really like that you're being patient and are taking your time. It's absolutely the best way to get things setup.

Unfortunately, you're not going to find too many people who think an 80 gallon is large enough for a sailfin tang. They are gorgeous, and I understand why you want the fish, but they get huge. Quickly. A yellow or blue hippo might be okay, as they stay smaller and generally don't grow as fast.. If you do go for it, make sure you buy a healthy tang that is relatively small (a few inches). These also aren't great beginner fish. (No tangs are, really)... and it should probably be one of the last fish to be put in you tank. I don't like being negative, but I really feel strongly that if things are planned out sufficiently, this hobby is much more rewarding and much less disappointing in the end.

Typically, a FOWLR can have inverts like snails, shrimp, etc, just not corals.. then it's considered a 'reef'.. it really doesnt matter much though.. they're just guidelines.

Good fish for your tank.. hmm.. there are so many fish that would work. You should take your time and do some research on each. I suggest looking at a few sites:

liveaquaria.com
bluezooaquatics.com
and wetwebmedia.com

the first two are quick; they give you pictures and quick basic specifications. They each have a 'beginner' fish recommendation guide that quickly lists good 'suggested beginner fish'...

wwm has a lot more information and a good search feature. Finally, when you've got it narrowed down, post some ideas on RC. we'll get everything set.

 

[LiveRockRob]

Thanks for all the great info and the links.

Also, thanks for the reality check on the Sailfin. I will definitely reconsider this choice after a bit more research.

If I was to get it at a "small" size, how fast does a Sailfin Tang - (Desjardini) grow?

I'll investigate the yellow or blue hippo as well. Yes, I definitely want to add my fish in a spacific ranking. I believe I have read that the more agressive / teritorial fish should be put in last. Am I correct on that?

Once again, thanks for the info and telling me how it is. That is why I'm here.

Robert

 

[Indymann99]

Live Rock Rob.

below are picts of my 120 FOWLR w ~100lbs Live Rock.

I will prob be upgrading my lighting and adding some more nems in the future.

I highly recommend running a sump and skimmer.

Many of the non-reef compatible fish (Lion fish, triggers, eels, etc) also tend to produce higher bio-loads so keep that in mind.

I have a Yellow Tang, Clown, Blue Hippo, Bannerfish, Skunk cleaner shrip, about 10 blue leg hermits, 10 nass snails, and 1 GBTA.

http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/...w&current=Tank011820092009_01_18_17_01_01.flv

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/DSC_0037.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankcabwdoors2.jpg

 

[Aquarist007]

something else to consider:
Alot of fowlr tanks can run with higher nitrate levels then mixed reef tanks due to the bioload of fish. The higher nitrates levels won't affect the fish but they will affect small inverts such as hermits and snails.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14848695#post14848695 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
something else to consider:
Alot of fowlr tanks can run with higher nitrate levels then mixed reef tanks due to the bioload of fish. The higher nitrates levels won't affect the fish but they will affect small inverts such as hermits and snails.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14846408#post14846408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LiveRockRob
Thanks for all the great info and the links.

Also, thanks for the reality check on the Sailfin. I will definitely reconsider this choice after a bit more research.

If I was to get it at a "small" size, how fast does a Sailfin Tang - (Desjardini) grow?

I'll investigate the yellow or blue hippo as well. Yes, I definitely want to add my fish in a spacific ranking. I believe I have read that the more agressive / teritorial fish should be put in last. Am I correct on that?

Once again, thanks for the info and telling me how it is. That is why I'm here.

Robert

My hippo and sailfin tangs have grown about three inches in two years.
Always check the adult size of fish before you purchase and never count on upgrading
I am a good example---I fully intended to upgrade to a 220 gal when I purchased the tangs
Due to unforseen events I probably will never be able to do that as planned so I am faced with eventually finding a new home for two fish that we have really gotten attached to.

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14848725#post14848725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
Took the words right out of my mouth.

what a team you and I are:thumbsup:

 

[LiveRockRob]

Thanks for the comments and advice.

Robert