[Leddy]

Alright, I'm currently cycling an 80gal. FOWLR tank. I just read a reply from someone elses thread to give the specifics of the equipment. I know I'm gonna get some guff for my set up(skimmer), but here goes.

50lbs base rock (cured)
40lbs Fiji live (cured)
60-80lbs Florida crushed coral

Penguin 330 (no bio-wheels/carbon) (330gph)
H.O.T Magnum (Micron cartridge) (250gph)
Seaclone skimmer (100) w/MaxiJet 1200
2-Penguin 1140 Powerheads (300gph each)
Dual Temp 40g-75g Heater (300w)
Dual Temp 20g-60g Heater (200w) -Not in use at the moment
Twin NO strips (1-10,000k & 1-Actinic)

Tanks been cycling for about 2 weeks. Ammonia spiked after the 2nd day, but not much(.25ppm). The rock was cured at the LFS. I had an air pump in there with 2 air stones, but just removed them due to too many bubbles. Also, I read that taking out the bio-wheels and carbon is good, I guess cause its not really nessesary. The only reason the HOT and 330 are there is for circulation. The skimmer I've been reading people knock constantly, all I hear about are the Remora's. I'll look into it, money is thin though. The Seaclone works for right now(even though not seeing much dark MUCK). No fish yet, but tempted to put my bicolor psuedo in shortly, he's the first SW fish I bought for my 29g a little over a year ago. 5 bux$. Let me know what think, (do you think I'll be ok, should I add some more stuff, is it totally nessesary, maybe another powerhead?) Its awesome to get tips from so many educated people, and hands on experience is the best way to learn. Thank you

[Poseidon]

I'd say you are off to a good start, except the Skimmer (sorry). Being a FOWLR after the cycle has completed you can put the wheels back on if you want, but they will not be needed. If you clean them often you will still benefit from the added dissolved oxygen they can provide. But they can also provide NITRATE which you do not want.

Personally I really like the MAxi Jet power heads, very small for the flow they can produce. Just remember in this hobby PAtience is KEY!!!

BTW which heater and how mant watts? I always go overboard on them because they are SO important... I have 2 300W VisiTherms in my 135

[Leddy]

Its is a 300w Dual Temp by Marineland, I also have as 200w D.T. for a back up, but the temp is about 76-77 F. It can put out some heat, when I first put it in there, the temp. was reading about 82. My Skimmer is junk, I'm gonna try to return it to get something better. Prizm Deluxe, Remora Pro, I'm gonna try to find a used one (Remora) in town. Thanks for the reply.

Leddy

[Poseidon]

No prob....

Just keep posting, someone will almost always have an answer for you!!