[Drummer]

I'm looking to start a FOWLR after being away from the hobby for almost 15 yrs. WOW, have things changed in that time ! I'm reading here that no more under gravel filters...stay away from canisters...etc. I had a 55g. and I think I want that again as I have a perfect spot for it. I'm curious as to pros/cons of acrylic vs glass tanks.

LR and LS and a skimmer is all I need for filtering from what I'm reading here....is that correct? Any advice on the tank and lighting and filtering would be a great help, and I would really appreciate it.

I'm sure glad I found this website. It's quite the information gold mine.

Thanks !!

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by Drummer

I'm looking to start a FOWLR after being away from the hobby for almost 15 yrs. WOW, have things changed in that time ! I'm reading here that no more under gravel filters...stay away from canisters...etc. I had a 55g. and I think I want that again as I have a perfect spot for it. I'm curious as to pros/cons of acrylic vs glass tanks.

Acrylic has one major drawback: It scratches easily. It's lighter than glass, it's less likely to leak, less likely to break in an earthquake (if you're near that coastal subduction fault), it's stronger than glass, it's clearer than regular soda-lime glass, it's a better insulator than glass (plus or minus depending on your point of view), and it can be cheaper than glass in the larger sizes.

Glass doesn't scratch nearly as easily as acrylic. Starphire glass is just as clear as acrylic and has less viewing distortion but it can be expensive. Glass can be very heavy in a large tank. Glass can break a lot easier than acrylic if something accidentally hits it. Glass is much more likely to leak than acrylic.

I chose Starphire glass but I'm not in an earthquake area. Anymore.

LR and LS and a skimmer is all I need for filtering from what I'm reading here....is that correct?

Yes.

Any advice on the tank and lighting and filtering would be a great help, and I would really appreciate it.

Everything depends on the size of the tank but for most fish-only tanks, normal output fluorescent lighting is adequate. VHO fluorescent or PC fluorescent or T5 fluorescent would be better and could be used later on should you decide to move up to a reef tank. Metal halides are usually not used on fish-only tanks unless they are very, very deep.

A good protein skimmer is very important. Which one depends on the size of the tank and the size of your budget.

[Drummer]

Thanks for the advice Ninong. I will be picking up a 55 gal glass tank in the near future. I'll order the live sand and then order the live rock(amounts?).
I think I can get away with a good HOT skimmer....any suggestions?
I have searched the forum and the internet for LR/LS sites, but if you or anyone else have recommendations on where to purchase, feel free to clue me in.

I've been reading this forum for almost 2 days straight, trying to catch up on the last 15 years of being away from this. Boy do I have a lot of catching up to do !

Again, thanks for all the help.

[Ninong]

For that size tank, an AquaC Remora Pro hang-on skimmer might be a good choice. You will need about 100-120 lbs of sand and 45-65 lbs of live rock.

Most live rock comes from the same place but is sold through various retailers. My personal preference is for Tonga Branch and Kaelini (Tonga). I purchased fully cured live rock from www.palmettoreefs.com and was extremely satisfied. Or you can purchase transshipped live rock (uncured) from various sources.

Or you could ask Kevin about live rock. He's in Washington and can get it for you through his LFS: http://www.reefland.com/forum/member.php?u=2049

[Reefland]

I would suggest looking at a 75 gallon tank that is reef ready. The dimensions of the tank are the same as the 55 except for the eidth (front to back) is 18" instead of 12". You'd be really surprised how much of a difference that 6" can make.

Going for a tank that is reef ready can cost a bit more up front but is well worth the addition of the sump for additional water volume and a place to conceal equipment.

Scott Z.

[Drummer]

Thanks for all the advice. I will look into the possibility of the larger tank. I sent Kevin a note like you suggested Ninong. Since it looks like we may live within a couple miles of each other, I'm sure he knows where to go here in Spokane.

Again, thanks for all the help !

Bill

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by Drummer

I sent Kevin a note like you suggested Ninong. Since it looks like we may live within a couple miles of each other, I'm sure he knows where to go here in Spokane.

Yes, I'm positive he knows exactly where to go in Spokane, but his opinion is biased.

P.S. -- I'm sure Kevin will take good care of you.

[Drummer]

I just sent in my contribution to Reefland.com via PayPal. The help and information I have already received in the last 3 days was worth way more than the $10.00

Thanks again Reefland !!


Bill

[Poseidon]

Welcome to Reefland Bill!!! I'm sure you will find this a tremdous advantage over just getting info in a LFS!!! We all have differing views but the common goal is a successful tank. My biggest piece of advice is find a method you are comfortable with, and STICK TO IT!!! When you start ad-libing (sp) is when you get into trouble...

Mike