ant105

Hello,

Im new to SW tanks and was wondering what sort of equipment i would need for a 20 gallon FOWLR setup.
This is what i have in mind to start:

Salt Mix
live sand
live rock
Filter
Powerheads x2
Heater
Lights - what sort? and what type of wattage should i be looking at?

Obv all the neccesary testing kits nitrate, pH etc. Then fill with small SW fish and some inverts?

Any help if im missing anything? And what you would reccomend?

I dont think i will need a protein skimmer?

Thanks

Goldwing_Don

you can do about any normal light for FOWLR tank but if you add corals at all you'll need 80 - 100 watts of light and yes you should use a Skimmer. It helps keep the algae down and thats very importent.

ATP

also get some actinic if you want coraline growth.

ant105

Thanks for the tips guys, hopefully get it up and running soon. If anyone else has any input please let me know
cheers

charzar-g

I would say live sand is not too important, because getting 'unlive' sand and then getting live rock and putting it ON the sand will make the sand live too. Don't think all the hitch hikers won't move about in the tank
Live sand (that you buy in packets that is dry anyway) is a complete rip off. Nothing can survive out of the ocean in a bag for weeks like that. Its mostly chemicals that start the speed up of your tank cycle that is in the 'dry live sand'

ant105

Thanks that can save me some money as well!
A question for anyone who can answer the tank im getting does not have a hood/lid/canopy is there a website i can buy a cheap one from or would some thing like this work out:
Linear Single Light System Glo T5 24w

And would any T5 bulb fit in it ??

thanks

ATP

I purchase carib sea live sand and the sand is wet.

ant105

Cheers, would it be ok if i had an open tank and used a hangover light on the tank would there be any huge side effects people can think off

David C

A lot of people run open top tanks, nothing wrong with it. Just be careful with spray chemicals anywhere near the tank, wouldnt want hairspray or wood cleaner getting in the tank.

Dave

charzar-g

The main side effect is that fish might jump out.
Or if you have a cat, it might jump in!
Also make sure, like posted above, you don't spray chemicals or anything near it.

You could always make a mesh grid to go over it!

ant105

ye i think i may go with the open top tank no animals to jump in so i will see how it goes and if there are any problems i spose i can always make a quick cheap canopy!