180G FOWLR build

[jrawk1120]

So I am currently filling my 180g tank. Going to house 4 triggers, a green bird wrasse, and unicorn tang.

Clown Trigger x2 6" and 4"
Pink Tail 6"
Blue Line 4"
Green Bird Wrasse 7.5"
Unicorn Tang 7"

They currently reside in my half moon reef but they've grown considerably. Outside of eating the majority of clean up crew, they're model citizens. Extremely docile and act like dogs most of the time.

This won't be a forever home. Within the next 2 years, going to have an 800g display. So this is a temporary housing situation. Mostly just want them to stop knocking over the coral.

Now my question, what do I need for flow? Going to be doing 10x turnover with return. Have a simplicty 240DC skimmer. I know there needs much more flow. Thinking of picking up a gyre style wave maker and placing it on the left side of the tank. Wondering if that would be sufficient or if I should get another for the opposite end. I have 2 return outlets. that I have pointed towards the front center of the tank, hitting the flow from the other to create some randomness. I just know that won't be enough.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Can't wait to see photos! FOWLRs are the bomb!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I am also excited to see photos!

 

[jrawk1120]

Can't wait to see photos! FOWLRs are the bomb!

Any thoughts on flow?

 

[JumboShrimp]

My personal viewpoint is that flow in a FOWLR is highly dependent on the type of fish one is keeping. For instance, most Clownfish probably couldn't care less about having any true flow at all (and ironically, some newbies with nano tanks blow their Clowns all around because of high-powered wave makers.) On the other hand, I'm sure something like a Tang would like at least some areas of linear high flow to 'swim against the current,' and some graceful species (like Butterflies) might like spots of random flow to keep things interesting for them. (It helps broadcast food, too, of course.) all of that said, I might just be guilty of being a "person" trying to think like a "fish".

 

[r107014001]

Can't wait to see pictures. I'm working on a 90 FOWLR right now

 

[jrawk1120]

This is how it stands currently

Need to clean up the base a little still with some touch up paint.

1200w heater
4200gph wave maker
Simplicity 3200gph return pump at about 80%
Hygger lights. (Not bad for $35)
80lbs of rock in the tank - 24lbs of ceramics in the sump
Simplicity 240dc skimmer

The rock to the left is a prototype from a buddy of mine who is trying out 3d printed rocks. Has substantial weight to it. Unsure of how it would get seeded with bacteria.

Current stock
Pink tail trigger
Vlamingi tang
2x clown triggers
Blue line trigger
Scopas tang
Green bird wrasse

Moved them from my 144 half moon into the 180. I know the vlamingi will size out eventually. I’m sure the bigger crown will be rehomed eventually.

Cycle went smooth over the course of 2 weeks.

All inhabitants seem happy as ever.

May add a puffer (my wife). Just haven’t figured out which kind.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Two (2) Clown Triggers! How cool
Is that? I'm not sure I would have braved that-- enjoy!