Set-up steps for FOWLR

highflyer885 · 04/10/2006, 02:14 AM

Hello to all.

While talking to people at the LFS I found differences in opinion regarding the set-up steps for a FOWLR tank.

I thought, from what I read so far that you put the substrate, live rock, water in, turn everything on minus skimmer, let the tank cycle, then start the living stuff a bit at a time after the cycle.

One place though, told me to put the live rock in first, then the fish, then the sand or gravel in that order.

Any comments appreciated....thanks

TekCat · 04/10/2006, 02:26 AM

dont go to that "one place"

Andrew · 04/10/2006, 05:42 AM

Before you add the water to the tank, you need to add the sand to the tank. Then fill it up with pre-mixed saltwater. Let it sit for a few days and let it settle if the tank is cloudy. Then turn on the powerheads and filteration. Then wait a few more days and add the rock. Then you'r going to have to wait around 3-6 weeks for the tank to cycle before adding the fish. I wouldn't ask the "one place" for anymore help and advise only because they are leading you in the wrong direction.

ACBlinky · 04/10/2006, 09:18 AM

I like to add rock first so it's resting on the bottom, then surround it with a mix of live and dead (rinsed) sand, fill with premixed SW, set all the equipment up (including the skimmer) and let 'er cycle. Once NH3 and NO2 hit zero and NO3 starts to go up, I do a water change and start adding livestock.

Kurt03 · 04/10/2006, 09:52 AM

while your tank is cycling you should leave your skimmer running wouldnt you?

aquawolf · 04/10/2006, 10:00 AM

If you want to cut down on the sand storm, and the time it takes to clearly see what you put in the tank, use a trashbag. You can either put the Live Rock in first and then the sand, some people feel this makes your structure more stable. Or, just put the sand in first. Cut the trash bag lengthwise and place it over the bottom of the tank. While adding your pre-mixed saltwater, be sure to pour it out onto the trashbag and not directly into the sand. As the water level rises, so will the bag and when the tank is full you can pull it out easily.

I run my skimmer during the curing process in order to help break it in at the same time. You may get clear liquid for skimmate for a little while, but it doesn't hurt anything.

highflyer885 · 04/10/2006, 10:57 AM

Thanks to all for your input!

04/10/2006, 02:14 AM	#1
highflyer885 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brampton, Ont. Canada Posts: 39	Set-up steps for FOWLR Hello to all. While talking to people at the LFS I found differences in opinion regarding the set-up steps for a FOWLR tank. I thought, from what I read so far that you put the substrate, live rock, water in, turn everything on minus skimmer, let the tank cycle, then start the living stuff a bit at a time after the cycle. One place though, told me to put the live rock in first, then the fish, then the sand or gravel in that order. Any comments appreciated....thanks

04/10/2006, 09:18 AM	#4
ACBlinky Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Peterborough, ON, Canada Posts: 4,954 Blog Entries: 20	I like to add rock first so it's resting on the bottom, then surround it with a mix of live and dead (rinsed) sand, fill with premixed SW, set all the equipment up (including the skimmer) and let 'er cycle. Once NH3 and NO2 hit zero and NO3 starts to go up, I do a water change and start adding livestock. __________________ "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." - Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 150g mixed reef, 30g sump/refugium, LED lighting, 100lbs LR, coral beauty, flame angel, blue & yellow tangs, gobies, damsels, 6-line wrasse, lawnmower blenny, dottyback, clown pair, rabbitfish, shrimp, crabs, CUC.

04/10/2006, 10:00 AM	#6
aquawolf Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Martin, South Carolina Posts: 343	If you want to cut down on the sand storm, and the time it takes to clearly see what you put in the tank, use a trashbag. You can either put the Live Rock in first and then the sand, some people feel this makes your structure more stable. Or, just put the sand in first. Cut the trash bag lengthwise and place it over the bottom of the tank. While adding your pre-mixed saltwater, be sure to pour it out onto the trashbag and not directly into the sand. As the water level rises, so will the bag and when the tank is full you can pull it out easily. I run my skimmer during the curing process in order to help break it in at the same time. You may get clear liquid for skimmate for a little while, but it doesn't hurt anything. __________________ Most good judgment comes from experience. Most experience comes from bad judgment. Current Tank Info: 75 Reef, CPR CY294, Home Made Refugium, Coralife Aqualight Pro 48" Dual 150 MH / 30 Gallon Sea Horse Tank / 40 Gallon FOWLR

04/10/2006, 02:26 AM	#2
TekCat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MN Posts: 3,130	dont go to that "one place"

04/10/2006, 05:42 AM	#3
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Before you add the water to the tank, you need to add the sand to the tank. Then fill it up with pre-mixed saltwater. Let it sit for a few days and let it settle if the tank is cloudy. Then turn on the powerheads and filteration. Then wait a few more days and add the rock. Then you'r going to have to wait around 3-6 weeks for the tank to cycle before adding the fish. I wouldn't ask the "one place" for anymore help and advise only because they are leading you in the wrong direction.

04/10/2006, 09:52 AM	#5
Kurt03 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,602	while your tank is cycling you should leave your skimmer running wouldnt you?

04/10/2006, 10:57 AM	#7
highflyer885 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brampton, Ont. Canada Posts: 39	Thanks to all for your input!