New FOWLR Set Up

[RJPerri]

Hey Guys,
I had a small reef tank (20g. long) in my apartment, but just took it down because I moved. I currently have my only fish left (A True Perc. Clown) in a 2 1/2 gallon tank, and want to set up a fish-only with some live rock tank. The problem is, I am not sure what I need. I used to run everything off a live sand bed and live rock. I have the lighting and protien skimmer. I just have to get a wet/dry and a pump, and don't want to get the wrong things... I read about the pumps and am either gonna get a Iwaski or a Mag, but I have to decide on a Wet/dry first.

Ok, let me start by saying that I want to get either a 46g. bowfront or a 55g. I was looking at two different wet/drys. The Aquaclear Pro 75 or 150 and the Amiracle SL150.

Other than the normal things I had for the small Reef (lighting, heating, powerheads for current, etc.) what else is needed for a fish-only?

Thanks in advance guys... Sorry the questions are vague, but I want to take my time this time and plan everything out right

[Aragorn]

RJPerri,

Allow me to welcome you to Reefland. Anyway, if you're considering a FOWLR and will be using a skimmer I really don't see the need for a W/D...IMHO. The skimmer should be able to "extract" organic material before it has the opportunity to breakdown into harmful compounds. Additionally, provided you have enough LR and LS, the bacteria(nitrosomonas and nitrobacters) that becomes established on(and inside) the LR(and sand) should be able to handle any additional nitrites/nitrates before they become problematic. Just be sure to add fish slowly so that the bacteria population can "adjust" to the additional bio-load.

FWIW, before I converted my 72g bowfront into a reef tank I had the Amiracle SL150. It worked fine. I eventually replaced it w/ a sump/refugium. HTH

[tendar]

I would have to agree with Aragorn. I have a small 26 gall fowlr tank and just run a prizm protien skimmer on it and the tank does great. Wet drys are nice but not really need if you have enought live rock and sand with a good skimmer.