your opinon of my crazy idea

[LovenBama]

Got my hands on a 55gal tank that was freshwater and thinking about making it a FOWLR tank but wanting to get some feedback before I dive head first into this. The tank is not drilled and because it was freshwater there is no sump or skimmer. Was wonder what your thoughts where in just using what came with it.It has 2 over the top Aqua-Tech power filters for 30/60gal tanks and two small A-T powerheads, 2 18" T-8 lights (one fits over each half of the tank). Or does anyone suggest adding more equipment to the set-up? Only thinking about putting maybe 3 fish in it because wanting to be a predator tank. Thanks for reading. Any and all suggests or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Virginia

 

[Mariner]

Should work fine. Personally, I'd consider adding an HOB skimmer because your fish will appreciate cleaner aerated water, but other than that, it looks good to go for a FOWLR. You could actually work it into a reef tank if you wanted. You'd have to retrofit some better lights and add a skimmer for sure, but my 75g is a sumpless reef and it has done quite well.
HTH,
Mariner

 

[Westpat]

I have a 55 with an Emperor filter and caulerpa in it. I just run carbon in the filter and a little nitrogen sponge if the caulerpa is not growing as fast as I like.

I have a shop lite($10) and two 6500K 48" bulbs(~$8) from WalMart that keep it and a few button polyps growing.

It is just something where I got bored, had an extra tank, sand, and live rock, and threw it all together one day. It has been going for over a year now.

David

Tomato Clown
"Saltwater" Black Mollies
Falco Hawkfish
4 Pajama Cardinals

 

[Westpat]

I do have a 180gph powerhead on the corner opposite the filter.
Just take the two filters and run carbon in one and a Phosphate/Nitrate remover in the other.
Further thoughts.
David

 

[LovenBama]

thanks for the advice...already have a 75gal reef tank but my neice and nefew who spend alot of time here every other weekend want to get a puffer and had to explain it wouldn't work in the reef tank with the other inhabitants and the 55gal use to be their freshwater tank....smart idea David...never thought about using the filters like that....thinking I'll do that for sure. would you suggest using the hmmm...what do they call it...the pads you can cut to fit that remove phos/nit...or use something else?will use carbon and a bio filter combo in one

Thanks,
Virginia

 

[LovenBama]

oh......one more quick ?.....what are your thoughts on going bare bottom with LR?

 

[Westpat]

I think it is Kent marine that makes the Nitrate remover chips I use.

You could put a valentini puffer, they are usually smaller and have a pretty look to them.

I am always a fan of the DSB, I would just make sure your rock work is zip-tied or put on PVC to keep it stable in a bare bottom tank.

Good Luck,
David

 

[LovenBama]

project underway now...so far I've filled the tank with SW but no rock in yet...gonna try to start adding it durind the next week
I did purchase a Niger Trigger today for it(he's still at the LFS until I'm ready for him) but not sure what would be a great tank mate for him ...wanting something that would add lots of color to the tank and get along with him seeing how they will only be in a 55g
if you have ideas please chime in

 

[NicoleC]

Way back when, we all shopped for our gear at the hardware store and used the HOB filters that were available for freshwater. It's very doable.

Just remember to provide the appropriate basics for your denizens (nutrient export, flow, light, etc.); how you get there is a matter of interpretation.

Personally, I don't like BB with LR. Sand helps cushion the impact if something falls over or gets dropped. If you want to go BB, seriously consider bolting or zip tying the rocks together, and avoid pressure points like a small piece of rock against the bottom of the glass supporting a lot of weight.

Low tech tanks seem to get a lot of benefit from having macroalgae incorporated in them. A non-invasive caulerpa species might be a good choice.

 

[jasontammy]

Butterfly

Butterfly

I googled your town of Slapout to see if it was real or something you made up.

If you're ever up around Cullman, we've got a nice Klein's Butterfly and its a shame he's living in our sump. If you're interested, we'll let you have him for $20.

Jason and Tammy

 

[LovenBama]

got a pic of him? would he do well with the Niger Trigger? Hubby has kin folk up there and we are havin a reunion this comin Saturday and they are suppose to come down for it so this might work out for him getting a new home

 

[LovenBama]

if I get him I'd also be interested in some zoas if ya have any at this time that I don't have ...you can PM me prices and pics cause I really don't know all the names of the zoas I currently have cause I've picked most of them up at the Montgomery and B'ham swaps and I purchased so many at a time I forget what people tell me they are
Thanks
Virginia

 

[doorlady]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15379981#post15379981 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LovenBama
if I get him I'd also be interested in some zoas if ya have any at this time that I don't have ...you can PM me prices and pics cause I really don't know all the names of the zoas I currently have cause I've picked most of them up at the Montgomery and B'ham swaps and I purchased so many at a time I forget what people tell me they are
Thanks
Virginia

you are getting worse than me at getting stuff

 

[LovenBama]

NOT!!! just trying to make it worth their and my time..LOL
what did ya buy this weekend for the tanks?
did ya'll go to the lake?

 

[doorlady]

Only asked Gary to bring me a frag of the favia that he has. Did not go to Jim's to get the clam, still have not hung the mh(imagine that).
We did go to the lake, we go there @ 1:00 and put in at Lake Jordan Marina, didn't call cause figured it was too late in the afternoon for ya'll.

 

[LovenBama]

yeppers it was toooo late..we never went this morning stayed out til midnight and my back has been killin me ever since yesterday..just now able to sit for a long period of time without hurting like crazi..yeah I'm ok and no did do it at work and yeah..I'll be there in the morning ..thinkin that covers all questions you would have asked..lol
did the girls have fun?