Partial LR in FO tank

[TuReal]

Hello all

I am currnelty in the process of setting up a SaltWater Aquarium (a lovely dream of mine). Currently there is an amazing amount of information on the web that has my mind spinning!

For starters, I am getting a used 55 gallon tank and stand with no equipment other than a light. I would like to take a slow and steady approach to starting this bad boy up. I love the idea of live rock, but not willing to buy it all at once.

Can I start with a live sand/dead sand mix, crushed coral and a few Live rocks?

If so what type of filter do I use Canister, Wet/Dry, or some other type?

Do I need a PS? If so how is the Coralife PS?

Please feel free to send me as much information possible. I appreciate any help and advice.

[TuReal]

Read the fowlr setup. This has alot of information for fowlr is there such a post for fo?

[leebca]

It sounds like you have the patience and desire for success. If that is true, just follow the guidelines in this post: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

[TuReal]

Thank you!!!! Just another question. I have a 30 gallon tank i will be making a sump with maybe a refugium. I have heard quite a few people say they use some filters just for the carbon and run them till the tank clears up.

Has anyone ever put a pre-made or home made carbon filter in the sump that the water can flow through? If so how would this effect the water quality?

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

I think the use of carbon is important in maintaining good water quatlity. I use it for 3-4 weeks, take it out for a week or two and add new carbon. Then, the process starts all over again. Be sure to change the carbon out before it reaches it's saturation point, otherwise it could add pollutants to the water. Not sure if I'm right or wrong but that's what I do. Hope this helps!

[leebca]

What you describe is pretty common, actually. Carbon is put into a bag and the bag is set in the sump so that water flows through it.

Just remember to follow the recommendations given regarding carbon filtration in the link in the FOWLR start up post: What is Water Quality

;)

[TuReal]

Is this an ok set up for my 55 gal tank with a 29 or 40 gallon sump/refugium i am building?

Over flow Box Sump Aquarium Kit CA 2200 pump Included - eBay (item 350421732899 end time Dec-17-10 06:19:20 PST)

[TuReal]

ok i settled on doing a sump 29 gallon with Pump-skimmer/refugium/inlet (set in that order) for the 55 gallon. will a CA2200 pump which is rated at 800-850 gallons per hr and 2 power heads offer enough movement for the filter and tank? there is a kit i plan on buying off ebay with the pump, overflow box, and return tubing.

[TuReal]

ok i settled on doing a sump 29 gallon with Pump-skimmer/refugium/inlet (set in that order) for the 55 gallon. will a CA2200 pump which is rated at 800-850 gallons per hr and 2 power heads offer enough movement for the filter and tank? there is a kit i plan on buying off ebay with the pump, overflow box, and return tubing.

Going to buy this pump set up tonight.