I have been toying with the idea of turning on of my fw tanks into a fowlr. I think I am ready but want a few opinions before I do more research. Let me know if you think this will work or have any other ideas. I have a 44 gal corner tank that I want to use. I would like to get some live sand and a little live rock. I want to keep using my hang on filter, if I can. My wife likes the sound of running water. I would like to keep the lights that came with it, if possible. As for fish, I would like a clown fish and a few others to go with it. I know that I will be limited on the kinds of fish because of the size of the tank. Can you guys give me some ideas on fish that will work in this tank? I am trying to keep it simple and cost effective. If everything works out, in a few years I may switch everything to my 120. Thanks for the help.
thinking of doing a fowlr
- Thread starter okiejaco
- Start date
mattsilvester
Team RC
Corner tank - 44 gal - should be fine as a starter tank. You will be a bit restricted in fish choices - if you have things like angelfish and tangs on your wish list you might be disappointed. Similarly, you mention that you would like a clownfish - if you envisage providing an anemone for the clown to live, then again, you may be disappointed as these are a diffiult species requiring both sophisticated equipment and advanced knwoledge. Clownfish however will happily live, and breed, without an anemone.
You mention "fowlr" - I wonder at this stage do you relaise that generally implies keeping fish that are not deemed reef safe. Whilst it is perfectly acceptable to keep "reef fish" withotu corals, it is something you shoud consdier at this stage i.e. would you see yourself trying a few hardy corals, and shrimps / snails in the future, or do you want full freedon in choice of fish i.e. fish that will predate on snails / shrimps / corals.
You have not mentioned a skimmer? While it is not essential, it is prehaps the most highly recommended piece of kit for any marine tank, unless you are going for a natural algae based system - the latter tpyicallyrequires a sump, the former can be added in "hang on" format. A skimmer will solve no end of problems, greatly reducing nutrients in the system, thus stabilising pH and keeping waste levels MUCH lower. You might wanna check out the "newbie" forum.
In general, if it is fish species you are looking for at this stage, then certain clowns will make a good choice for your 44 gal tank. A smaller dwarf angel, like a flame back or cherub would make a good choice. Maybe a hawkfish - scarlet hawks are nice. Small wrasse, like the 6 line is good and hardy, as are royal gramma's. Smaller gobies might make a good choice also.
If we assume you get yoru filteration sorted out, I would probably reccomend a list like so:
Tank bred clown (only because its on your list)
flame back angel
flame (scarlet) hawkfish
royal gramma
sulphur goby
6 line wrasse
All these fish are considered reef safe, and will allow you to add inverts such as shrimps, snails, stars, hermits from the outset - if you so desire..... all of which are hardy and easy to care for also.
But filteration is the key....... and the skimmer is the most important part, IMO.
HTh
Matt
You mention "fowlr" - I wonder at this stage do you relaise that generally implies keeping fish that are not deemed reef safe. Whilst it is perfectly acceptable to keep "reef fish" withotu corals, it is something you shoud consdier at this stage i.e. would you see yourself trying a few hardy corals, and shrimps / snails in the future, or do you want full freedon in choice of fish i.e. fish that will predate on snails / shrimps / corals.
You have not mentioned a skimmer? While it is not essential, it is prehaps the most highly recommended piece of kit for any marine tank, unless you are going for a natural algae based system - the latter tpyicallyrequires a sump, the former can be added in "hang on" format. A skimmer will solve no end of problems, greatly reducing nutrients in the system, thus stabilising pH and keeping waste levels MUCH lower. You might wanna check out the "newbie" forum.
In general, if it is fish species you are looking for at this stage, then certain clowns will make a good choice for your 44 gal tank. A smaller dwarf angel, like a flame back or cherub would make a good choice. Maybe a hawkfish - scarlet hawks are nice. Small wrasse, like the 6 line is good and hardy, as are royal gramma's. Smaller gobies might make a good choice also.
If we assume you get yoru filteration sorted out, I would probably reccomend a list like so:
Tank bred clown (only because its on your list)
flame back angel
flame (scarlet) hawkfish
royal gramma
sulphur goby
6 line wrasse
All these fish are considered reef safe, and will allow you to add inverts such as shrimps, snails, stars, hermits from the outset - if you so desire..... all of which are hardy and easy to care for also.
But filteration is the key....... and the skimmer is the most important part, IMO.
HTh
Matt
mattsilvester
Team RC
If you can work in a sump, using a HOB syphon box, it will make your life much easier, and will give you far more opertunites to improve water qualtiy, thus reducing maintenance and improving the quality of life for your fish.
Again - its one for the newbie forum.
HOB skimmers - I am afraid I know very little about them...... I've always had bgi tanks
mattsilvester
Team RC
Yeah, standard lighting is fine - just need to change the bulbs to marine bulbs (else you'll get nasty algae problems).
No problems with the sump - if you can do a HOB skimmer, and get some LR / LS in the main tank, and a couple of powerheads for flow, along with your basic lighting (with marine bulbs) you are all set to go!
Good luck,
Matt
No problems with the sump - if you can do a HOB skimmer, and get some LR / LS in the main tank, and a couple of powerheads for flow, along with your basic lighting (with marine bulbs) you are all set to go!
Good luck,
Matt
