[Crosby87]

Whats up everyone, I just got a new 90 gallon tank im looking to set up as a FOWLR.

I currently have a 55 FO with 45lbs of LR. The only filteration I have is a Aqua C Remora with maxi jet hangon skimmer and the LR.

For the 90 gallon, I know im going to need more LR, but what is the best route for mechanical filteration? Should I get another Aqua C hang on and run 2? One of the reason's I'm going with FOWLR is that I don't want to go through the trouble with setting up a sump, so I'm gonna try to keep it simple for now.

I think I'm going to keep a one aggressive fish and maybe a couple of other fish if thats possible. I really want a medium size Queen, or Clown Trigger.

Can anyone give me an idea of what kind of mechanical filteration I would need with that size tank and that kind of fish? Any insight is appreciated, thanks.

[leebca]

The one hang-on should suffice, providing there is enough circulation within the aquarium. You want to shoot to having 8 to 10 turn overs per hour, or in your case, about 850gallons/hour. With the proper circulation, physical wastes should make their way to the mechanical filter. You want to be sure you have a skimmer that is rated for at least a 200 gallon system. A FOWLR system creates a lot of nitrogen/organic wastes. It is this unit (skimmer) that usually pushes the aquarist towards having a sump.

The Clown Trigger is one of the worst fish for attitude. See this short thread: Clown Trigger - Balistoides conspicillum. If you want to keep one, I'd suggest just keeping that fish in the 90. It will be comfortable there until it reaches 6"+. The 90 isn't good for large fishes. This Trigger is known to rip up intake pipes which means keeping this and other aggressive fishes are best done in an aquarium with an overflow into a sump -- where there are no intakes for the fish to 'attack.'

I can't and don't suggest fishes. That is a personal matter as to what you want and like. There are so many to choose from. Get a book or search around the Internet for ideas.

[Crosby87]

leebca, thanks for the fast repsonse.

Here is the protein skimmer I have right now in my 55

I beleive that skimmer is rated for systems under 75. If I can run that skimmer and just live rock as filteration, What powerheads, and how many would your recommend for the 90 gallon? Thanks.

[CSeaSee]

In a system of that size, I'd (personally) get a second skimmer. You could get a second Remora, but consider getting an entirely different brand of skimmer, like a CPR BakPak- it's another good HOB skimmer. Anthony Calfo recommends using two different skimmers, because the different skimmers pull out slightly different dissolved organic waste, and I agree- when I ran two different skimmers (one's now on my 10-gallon tank) on my 55-gallon, the skimmate was different between the two skimmers.

[Crosby87]

CSeaSee, I'll look into adding that skimmer. I'll probably add another 90lbs of LR, that would be about 130-140lbs total.

You guys use any particular powerhead over the others? I want to try to go with the best becasue that will be the main filteration. Thanks

[CSeaSee]

Tunzes and Maxijets are always good choices.

[leebca]

The skimmer you have is rated for an 80 gallon tank. I would sell or give it away and go for a much better one. If you like the manufacturer, then you want one of their EV-400s.

There are many choices when it comes to powerheads. There are expensive ones that require little (or a lot) of maintenance to those that are very inexpensive that require a lot of maintenance. It depends on the type of aquarist you are. That is why I usually don't make equipment recommendations -- even the cheap equipment could suit the do-it-yourself aquarist who doesn't' mind doing a monthly maintenance on equipment. For me, I don't want to do any maintenance, so I buy the higher-end products that require less maintenance (but which cost more).

When buying equipment never look at just the price. Look towards the amount of maintenance it needs, replacement parts, ease of cleaning, heat it generates, safety for being around your livestock, ability to customize or direct flow, electrical consumption, performance AND price.

Tunzes are pretty much favorable in most of the above categories, but your opinion may vary.

You may want a refresher on starting up the system: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Good luck!