Confusion reigns

[GoinSalt]

Alright,

I've gone to three different lfs and gotten three different prices, setups, etc.

One thing I know for sure -- I'm going with 100 gal with twin overflows for a FOWLR.

The rest has been three different suggestions/solutions. My questions are:

- How little/much LR can I get away with to be used as enough filtration with in-sump protein skimmer?

- I was told that if I didn't use all live sand, it would take up to 18 months to seed dead sand? Is this true? What would be the mimimum mixture of live sand/dead sand to provide optimum filtration?

- I want to use a sump, can I use two power heads rated at 500 gals/hr in the sump to push water back into tank or do I have to put power heads in the tank? I want to keep the tank as uncluttered as possible.

- Was told that with live rock, I would need to go with power compact lighting to get stuff to grow on the rock. Is this true? Someone else told me I could just use flourescents since I'm not going with a reef. What's right?

Boy, the more I research this, the more confusing it gets!

[acropora]

Alright,

I've gone to three different lfs and gotten three different prices, setups, etc.

One thing I know for sure -- I'm going with 100 gal with twin overflows for a FOWLR.

The rest has been three different suggestions/solutions. My questions are:

- How little/much LR can I get away with to be used as enough filtration with in-sump protein skimmer?

- I was told that if I didn't use all live sand, it would take up to 18 months to seed dead sand? Is this true? What would be the mimimum mixture of live sand/dead sand to provide optimum filtration?

- I want to use a sump, can I use two power heads rated at 500 gals/hr in the sump to push water back into tank or do I have to put power heads in the tank? I want to keep the tank as uncluttered as possible.

- Was told that with live rock, I would need to go with power compact lighting to get stuff to grow on the rock. Is this true? Someone else told me I could just use flourescents since I'm not going with a reef. What's right?

Boy, the more I research this, the more confusing it gets!

I'll start with the L.R. I would use 100lbs Max. and go without a sand bottom for a FO tank.You will not need a DSB since its main use is for nitrate export which is not as critical in a FO tank. A DSB should be at least 4" to 6" deep. Anything less will be for aesthethic purposes only. L.S. will have to be seeded with a dertrivore kit and/or some L.S. from someone else and it will take some time to mature. The L.R. will have to cycle and mature in your tank.(cure it in a heated garbage pail first) During this time it will emit alot of detritus that will have to be syphoned out.This can be very difficult if you put a sand bed in now.As far as lighting for your FO tank, you can easily use VHO's. The L.R. will need calcium and Alk supplementation, such as the two part additives. You will have little demand for calcium in a FO tank so it will go along way and it will provide a more stable enviroment for your fish and the growth of coraline algae.As far as tank circulation for a FO tank,it is not as critical as in a reef tank. Therefore you will not need powereheads inside the tank.An adequate size return pump branched off with a "tee" to return to both sides of your tank should be fine.A pump in the 750-1000GPH is a good starting point.I personally think that the more closer you set up your tank to resemble a reef tank,the better off your fish will be.The only exception is that you will not need intensive lighting.A good quality protein skimmer will also help.