New FOWLR tank

B

blue02celi

New member
Hello.

I was directed to this part of the forum from someone that suggested I check it out (since I PM'd him about a place to drill my tank on long island). I checked out the LIRA website and now wonder why I didnt look around my area for info, especially since we live on an ISLAND!

a little about me, Im 26 yrs old, just got out the navy (8 yrs) was a recruiter out here for the past 3 yrs (freeport, hicksville, hempstead, amityville and patchogue). Waiting for the academy in january so not much going on right now. Anyway I have a few turtles and went out to buy a few used tanks and ended up getting 2 - 55 gal tanks. well ones for the turtles and the other is empty.... and thats how I ended up here :rollface:

Do most of you go to the meetings? I was going to apply online (through paypal) but I might want to ask my fiancee if she wants me to just get the family membership, she never lets me out the house by myself ;)
 
Do many of you make your own sumps? I understand how they work and all but making one looks like a nightmare. I'm not buying anything right now, I'm still planning everything I need to get before I start everything. I'm planning on having just LR in while it cycles for the first few weeks and want to put the skimmer, heater and anything else I need in a sump. I've been talking to others and was told because of my tank size (48x12x18 height) a good idea would be to have 2 10 gal tanks hooked up side by side to make my sump ( because I have a spare 10 gal that's empty). Any suggestions? Also would it be beneficial to get my 55 gal drilled since its empty right now?
 
hmm... I know I wrote a reply, guess it got lost

thats a HUGE sump, however I live in an apartment and dont plan on using it for anything more than my 55 gal, while I live here anyway lol

I think I've seen a few sumps on here that are for sale... that might be my best choice for now I think. Do I HAVE to have a skimmer in my sump?
 
Re: New FOWLR tank

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8085579#post8085579 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blue02celi
Hello.

Im 26 yrs old, just got out the navy (8 yrs)
Click to expand...


First things first.....
Thank you, for your service to our Country. It's a debt that we can never really repay.

Now,
[welcome]
 
Sump?

Sump?

1st things 1st. If the 55 is tempered glass it WILL BREAK when you try to drill it. A sump is the best place to put things so they are out of the way, not absolutely necessary but it makes things easier. Along side or under the tank is fine, some are even in another room or in the basement. I made my sump but even a rubbermaid tub or anything that holds water will do the job. A word about the equiptment you buy if you don't mind. Buy the best you will never be sorry. Saves on doing it all again because you were not in the position the 1st time. How many things have we all done over again? Save up for it if you have to.
Family membership is ony another $5 and if she is interested it is well spent. :)
Vinny
 
If I wanted to have an aggressive tank, what kinda fish could I have? I always thought lion fish looked cool, if I was to get one what could I keep with it or would it be better to just have a few of them?
Any eels?
 
55 gallons is a little small, but a dwarf Lion would do fine in there with most other fish, as long as they don't fit in his mouth. Lions don't have any predators to worry about, and will leave similar size or larger fish alone for the most part.
Eels are tough, as they generally grow quite large for a 55, and are very good at escaping from aquariums. Too bad that's such a short sighted move, as once they realize there's no water outside the tank, they don't seem to find their way back in.
 
i keep goin back and forth, wanting just a few big fish, then just alot of small fish, Just LR, then back to coral. the coral just go on top of LR right? so all I would need are the coral alnd the lights if I wanted to upgrade?
 
The corals do go on the rock, but think it through first, since a lot of the "FO" fish are not reef-safe, so you won't be able to just put corals in.

Or you could just do what most of the rest of us do and start accumulating tanks...one for FO, one for corals/clams...then fry rearing tanks...
 
if it was up to me, Id have more animals, but I live in an apt, decent sized I guess but i still dont have ALOT of space. when I got the 55's I didnt think they would be that big. I could just have fish that are good with coral in the tank couldnt I? or do most of those fish NEED the coral in the tank from the beginning?

and I have no idea what fry rearing tanks are
 
Fish don't need corals--and yes, if you want the option to put corals in there, do choose fish that won't eat them.

And sorry :) "fry" are baby fishes.
 
Do yourself a favor and don't buy any equipment until you've decided what you want, Reef or FOWLR.

Even then, wait to buy the "best" equipment until you've decided you're going to stay. Buy what you can now cheap and get what you can for free.

Also, if you do decide to do a sump, there is trade fair hardware on Sunrise highway in amityville. Just go north on 110 and then take sunrise highway east. It's up about 1/4 mile on the right.
They have a ton of irregular polypropylene containers that are perfect for a sump.
 
Check the place out, they have all sorts of great containers to use as a sump. They're not too expensive, but expect to pay around $20-$40.
 
Take measurements so you know how much room you have to work with, and bring a tape measure with you to Trade Fair.
Also, the guy won't budge on the price.
 
I have a wood stand for a 55g tank that you could have.

Well build with 2x4's and lumber top. t-111 siding. Its painted yellow at the moment (dont ask) but a coat of paint is cheap.

Let me know, im prob gonna gut it this week and toss it.
 
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