Intro:
Want to start off with saying it is great to be here and the knowledge I am soaking in is amazing. I have 3 freshwater tanks as of now. Starting a 4th in a week or two. My gf is not interested one bit in freshwater aquariums. I am partial to both. Freshwater is much easy to setup from my research. So I finally decided to make the jump and give her what she wants. This build will take months to complete as I am the type to go all in and do it right the first time. Unlike my first venture into freshwater. So let's begin!
To start I want to start with a FOWLR setup! The more I read up on here and see the magnificent corals I am surely going to venture into corals. But for now FOWLR. I am planning to add a pair of clownfish. Preferably young as possible. I am not sure which type of clownfish yet that's in the research. Gf loves black and white. I love all the unique features of some. I am also researching what anemones are compatible with each clownfish species. This is as far as my fish plans are. I like dottybacks, dwarf Angel's, and cardinals. I'm thinking a goby, snails, hermit crabs, and shrimp for cleanup crew.
Build:
So onto the setup! The fun parts. I have a 40g breeder that needs a good cleaning!
It was planned for the DT. I have decided to also do a 40g sump. So I figure the new aquarium will be the DT. I plan 40-60lbs of dry rock. Another 40-60 lbs of live sand.
First question?
What is the recommended sand bed height? I was thinking 1.5 inches or 3 inches.
I know it's a large difference but I'm unsure of which type shallow or deep sand bed is more beneficial.
Sump and stand will be the first actual building for the setup. I will have to make my own stand so that should be exciting. Inside of the sump will be skimmer, and return sections.
Sump:
So I am leaning between two skimmers.
One: Aquamaxx FC-120
Two: Bubble Magus Elite Curve 5
Second question?
Which one do you suggest? Priced the same and about the same.
I plan to have a small section in back corner that the overflow will drain into filter socks. That runs into the skimmer section. Then a 3 baffle bubble trap leading into the biggest section the refugium. In the refugium will be dry rocks and macroalgea. Probably a refugium starter from algea barn. With a couple of algea or one not sure. Then the final bubble trap leading to return pump.
Last question in this section?
I'm leaning on the current eflux DC pump 1050gph. Any better suggestions?
I know long winded but I am trying to cover all bases. Actual sump plans later!
Want to start off with saying it is great to be here and the knowledge I am soaking in is amazing. I have 3 freshwater tanks as of now. Starting a 4th in a week or two. My gf is not interested one bit in freshwater aquariums. I am partial to both. Freshwater is much easy to setup from my research. So I finally decided to make the jump and give her what she wants. This build will take months to complete as I am the type to go all in and do it right the first time. Unlike my first venture into freshwater. So let's begin!
To start I want to start with a FOWLR setup! The more I read up on here and see the magnificent corals I am surely going to venture into corals. But for now FOWLR. I am planning to add a pair of clownfish. Preferably young as possible. I am not sure which type of clownfish yet that's in the research. Gf loves black and white. I love all the unique features of some. I am also researching what anemones are compatible with each clownfish species. This is as far as my fish plans are. I like dottybacks, dwarf Angel's, and cardinals. I'm thinking a goby, snails, hermit crabs, and shrimp for cleanup crew.
Build:
So onto the setup! The fun parts. I have a 40g breeder that needs a good cleaning!
It was planned for the DT. I have decided to also do a 40g sump. So I figure the new aquarium will be the DT. I plan 40-60lbs of dry rock. Another 40-60 lbs of live sand.
First question?
What is the recommended sand bed height? I was thinking 1.5 inches or 3 inches.
I know it's a large difference but I'm unsure of which type shallow or deep sand bed is more beneficial.
Sump and stand will be the first actual building for the setup. I will have to make my own stand so that should be exciting. Inside of the sump will be skimmer, and return sections.
Sump:
So I am leaning between two skimmers.
One: Aquamaxx FC-120
Two: Bubble Magus Elite Curve 5
Second question?
Which one do you suggest? Priced the same and about the same.
I plan to have a small section in back corner that the overflow will drain into filter socks. That runs into the skimmer section. Then a 3 baffle bubble trap leading into the biggest section the refugium. In the refugium will be dry rocks and macroalgea. Probably a refugium starter from algea barn. With a couple of algea or one not sure. Then the final bubble trap leading to return pump.
Last question in this section?
I'm leaning on the current eflux DC pump 1050gph. Any better suggestions?
I know long winded but I am trying to cover all bases. Actual sump plans later!