FOWLR filtration???

Hey 3reefers!
I'm thinking of setting up a FOWLR tank that will eventually become a reef once I get a bit more experience. This is what I have so far:

29g Tank (hard to keep the water in one place without one;D)
Current USA Orbit 130w CF
Coralife Super Skimmer 65
Sealife 125 Berlin Sump

Plus heater, thermometer, that sort of thing...

Anyway, my question is do I need any other kind of filtration besides a skimmer? Should I use any kind of media in the sump for a FOWLR setup? If I do, do I need to remove it once I move on to a reef?

 

Sounds like you know have a little experience in the hobby already? Have you read any books or talked to a local fish store, maybe some buddies?

And to answer part of your question, you need some sort of mechanical filtration, like a filter sock or a filter pad, preferably as the water enters the sump.

I'm still a newbie too, so maybe this will help bump your thread for more viewing pleasure!

 

congrats you are well on your way. YOU have all of the main hardware to start a fowlr. Your skimmer and berlin sump should have everything that you need to start to include your mechanical filtration pads. You never mentioned a returm pump, but I'm sure you have one. You can also add some live rock to your sump too.

 

I would add a bag of carbon to your sump. it will help keep your water crystal clear andyour fish viewing at its best. keep in mind that you want to move to corals one day so don't use and copper based meds in your tank. they will leech out later and make coral keeping a nightmare.

 

well, I don't have the return pump yet since I'm still waiting on the sump which I picked up on ebay. I have my eye on an Eheim pump...I heard they were pretty good. Man, this hobby gets expensive quick!

 

thanks for the tip ...I didn't realize that copper could leech out later on.

 

the copper can get into any plastics and the live rock rendering it useless for use in a coral tank later. it does get very expensive very fast. bad news though the expense doesn't seem to slow down much. what kind of fish are you planning on keeping?

 

I was looking into getting a cardinal fish, clownfish (maybe two), and a midas blenny. Thats not too many fish is it?