A little confused on how to get started on my FOWLR 20g

[parrisgg]

So, I have loved my freshwater tank but I have been seduced by the saltwater tank for sometime now. I, however, am on a budget. I am a college student and I pay for my own house. As stated above, I want to start a FOWLR 20g tank. I am a little bit confused on how I can go about doing things though. I do not really understand the concept of a sump, how to set one up or where to put it? Would a 20g tank need a skimmer? What equipment would I need for my 20g FOWLR tank? I will be placing the tank on the kitchen counter, a place where there is no disturbance as well as almost no sun light that reaches it. How powerful do my LEDs need to be for a 20g? I am very confused on how to set up a salt water tank when it is placed on my kitchen counter because all of the set ups that I have seen are in cabinets or on stands where they can place their sumps in places. How do I even set one up for my tank?!

[Biscuit37]

Welcome to RC!

You don't have to have a sump. You should have a Skimmer though. They make Skimmers that hang on the back or side. For lights, you don't have to go crazy for a FOWLR.

Good luck an don't be afraid to ask more questions.

~Tyler

[parrisgg]

Originally Posted by Biscuit37

Welcome to RC!

You don't have to have a sump. You should have a Skimmer though. They make Skimmers that hang on the back or side. For lights, you don't have to go crazy for a FOWLR.

Good luck an don't be afraid to ask more questions.

~Tyler

Thank you!
What if I wanted to start a reef tank? What lighting would I need there? I am not afraid to go expensive on lights as I know they are a large investment, however, I am still confused on how to set up a sump for a 20g tank that is on the kitchen counter with nothing to hide or place things. I really have no clue on how I should start things up. Or does my 20g reef even need these things?

[briankmarsh1980]

Yeah HOB skimmer
You are very limited on fish though
Lights serve no purpose on a fish only that's just for your benefit
If you go reef you will want to go bigger and plan on a second job lol
I would try this fish only for a year before you even think about going further
And read read read all you can here especially all the stickies
and find your local forum

[parrisgg]

How many gallons would you recommend for a reef tank?

[briankmarsh1980]

The problem with marine tanks is nutrients you have to do lots of water changes all the time
You can have a small tank but WHEN something goes out if wack you have no warning till its to late
If i could go back i would get something around 100 gallans total water valume
That said i have been happy with my 60 reef but it has been hard 5-10 g weekly water changes i have to dose to keep all my levels right its a lot of work.....
Im actually starting a new build of 210g plus a 40g sump that will be FOWLR and a few softies and it will be cheaper then my 60 g reef just an fyi

[Waggs]

Originally Posted by briankmarsh1980

If you go reef ...... plan on a second job lol

Ain't that the truth. I guess I better start looking into that second job, since I don't have the first one. Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Fixed incomes become too little too fast!