Tank Set Up Feedback / Suggestions

kgouso · 10/13/2007, 03:13 PM

Water testing has begun... (In the garage)

I have converted this tank from freshwater to saltwater (it will be a FOWLR tank)...(although the current testing is being done with freshwater)

I have configured everything in the gargage for a "wet run" (so to speak).

This is pretty much a DIY conversion and I have set everything up based on info from this site...and a local guy that gave me a great deal on the skimmer.

I have attached pictures in my gallery that pretty much show the set up (minus actual salt water, sand and live rock)

The piping running up the back of the tank will be painted black before the move to its final destination.

Tank stats. (Please See Gallery For Pics)

Tank 125 Gallon
Two Overflows 300 GPH (Total) My ameature scientific approach to this was to take the overflow line and put it in a 2 Pint container...(It took 6 seconds to fill)
Two Return Lines Split into 4 OutPut Nozzles. (I have the controle valve only half open) The pump is rated at over 800GPH with 1 foot of head.
Sump Bucket in the Middle (the bubble factory). The Skimmer feeds the Fudge (The UV may or may not feed the Fudge)
The Fudge has two overflows back into the Sump.
I placed a filter pad in front of the pump bulkhead to stop bubbles being returned to the tank, and water polish.
25 Watt UV.

My current research work questions.

Is 300gph enough, too much, or just about right for a 125 FOWLR tank?

25W UV enough? (it came with the tank so I assume it is)

What elese should I put into the Fudge (beside a Piece of Live Rock and some Hair Algae)?

Carbon pad? Is this something I need?

What else do I need in the sump/fudge?

Lot more reading to do, but if anyone has answers to these questions....please contribute...it will cut down on my search and re-search...

Lighting...The tank has some rather weak lights. Not sure if I need to change them for a FOWLR tank. (There is a light above the FUDGE as well)

I will eventually change the lights and convert all the way to reef, but I figure that is at least a year after I get fish, (even that is probably 3-4 months away)

Thanks for any feedback.

10/13/2007, 03:13 PM	#1
kgouso Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 321	Tank Set Up Feedback / Suggestions Water testing has begun... (In the garage) I have converted this tank from freshwater to saltwater (it will be a FOWLR tank)...(although the current testing is being done with freshwater) I have configured everything in the gargage for a "wet run" (so to speak). This is pretty much a DIY conversion and I have set everything up based on info from this site...and a local guy that gave me a great deal on the skimmer. I have attached pictures in my gallery that pretty much show the set up (minus actual salt water, sand and live rock) The piping running up the back of the tank will be painted black before the move to its final destination. Tank stats. (Please See Gallery For Pics) Tank 125 Gallon Two Overflows 300 GPH (Total) My ameature scientific approach to this was to take the overflow line and put it in a 2 Pint container...(It took 6 seconds to fill) Two Return Lines Split into 4 OutPut Nozzles. (I have the controle valve only half open) The pump is rated at over 800GPH with 1 foot of head. Sump Bucket in the Middle (the bubble factory). The Skimmer feeds the Fudge (The UV may or may not feed the Fudge) The Fudge has two overflows back into the Sump. I placed a filter pad in front of the pump bulkhead to stop bubbles being returned to the tank, and water polish. 25 Watt UV. My current research work questions. Is 300gph enough, too much, or just about right for a 125 FOWLR tank? 25W UV enough? (it came with the tank so I assume it is) What elese should I put into the Fudge (beside a Piece of Live Rock and some Hair Algae)? Carbon pad? Is this something I need? What else do I need in the sump/fudge? Lot more reading to do, but if anyone has answers to these questions....please contribute...it will cut down on my search and re-search... Lighting...The tank has some rather weak lights. Not sure if I need to change them for a FOWLR tank. (There is a light above the FUDGE as well) I will eventually change the lights and convert all the way to reef, but I figure that is at least a year after I get fish, (even that is probably 3-4 months away) Thanks for any feedback.