Hello, my name is Tony, I am new to the aquarium hobby. I just recently purchased a 180 gallon tank with a 125 gallon sump and refugium. I still need to buy a power head to put in my sump. I need a 900gph power head. What brand should I buy? Do I need a protein skimmer? I am doing a fowlr tank FYI.
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- Thread starter Ohioutony
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gone fishin
New member
Why are you putting a powerhead in your sump? I would recommend a skimmer as well. Good luck just my two cents.
Shawn O
Active member
Wow, great way to start! Welcome aboard. The list of things you'll need will make your head spin and give you sticker shock.
The main methods of filtration in SW (currently) are a skimmer and lots of live rock, about 1-2 lbs per gallon. If you never switch to reef you'll need a lot less equipment. From what I gather, FOWLR tanks tend to run much higher nitrates than reef tanks so that is one area it may be helpful to pay particular attention to. Frequent water changes usually work but may require some other additional method, like a biopellet reactor.
I think you may be able to get by with a lot less flow than a 900gph powerhead in the sump. I think all of the water flowing from the tank, through the sump and back to the tank again may be enough. More flow is usually better. You're going to want powerheads in the display tank. You'll get what you pay for in this hobby, as in all others. More money usually means more reliable, more quiet and more adjustability.
Good luck and post lots of pictures along the way.
Semantics, but most would use the term "return pump" for the pump located in your sump that pushes water back to the tank. The Reef Octopus RODC5500 may work for you, or look into some of the medium sized Jebao's for a less expensive option. Both should be whisper quiet if installed properly.
gone fishin
New member
I suppose it really comes down to your budget. For true live rock I would look at Tampa bay saltwater, probably the priciest option but it will come with all kinds of macro and micro fauna. "Live rock" typically found at a LFS is just cycled rock that has some bacteria built up on it. Then there is just plain old dry dead rock, IMO Bulk reef supply is a good option here. I personally would stay away from man made rock. Since I don't really know what all went into making it and could have some contaminants/ leaching issues.
There are pros and cons of each. True live rock you will get all kinds of life on it, the good and the bad. But it is usually a pretty quick cycle. Dry rock is a longer cycle to get the bacteria built up and some rock can have excess phosphate leach out of it.
I personally went with a majority of dry rock and if I remember right about 20-30 pounds of LFS rock to help move things along. My decision was based purely on cost. Good luck just my 2 cents.
There are pros and cons of each. True live rock you will get all kinds of life on it, the good and the bad. But it is usually a pretty quick cycle. Dry rock is a longer cycle to get the bacteria built up and some rock can have excess phosphate leach out of it.
I personally went with a majority of dry rock and if I remember right about 20-30 pounds of LFS rock to help move things along. My decision was based purely on cost. Good luck just my 2 cents.
That is some good info... I think I will do a combo of dry and live and I will just shop around for the best price... Maybe craigslist??
What are the good stores?
So I went to this Tampa bay saltwater website and saw they had an octopus for sale... Sounds pretty cool any thoughts?
stingeragent
New member
Yes its cool. Should you get it. No
whosurcaddie
New member
LOL! First purchase Octopus. You would be in for some bad times.
billdogg
Well-known member
My go-to store is Rivers to Reefs in Gahanna, corner of Morse and Cherrybottom. PM me and I'll give you my opinion on where NOT to go as well
Well, I don't know about cheap, but I'd be willing to part with a small rock or two and a couple cups of sand to get you started at a very fair price - PM me and we can discuss it
Yes, Octopi are very cool. They are also difficult to keep for a couple reasons - they are messy eaters (produce lots of waste) and can escape from just about anything. After you are a bit more experienced, putting one in a species tank can be done. They are also very short lived in most cases.
hth
Bogue Chitto
New member
Tampa Bay has some really nice rock with live things on it. I got some from them and am well pleased. I haven't seen any thing bad come out of it yet, but there is always a chance it will. Sometimes you get bad things on not so live rock too....
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