FOWLR Newbie. how much?

So what is needed minimal to do a FOWLR? I cant afford to do a reef this size but im looking from 100 to 125g FOWLR. cant afford a t5 ho fixture however what the cheapest type bulb that may qualify for coraline growth? I want a tank with maybe acowfish, triggers, puffer, lionfish...all the fish I cant keep in a reef. lol or whateverones I find to be compatible together. So whats the bare minmimal Ill need. I would prefer to not even have a sump or even skimmer. Is the a minimum for live rock in FOWLR?

 

You can get a T5 strip, they are pretty cheap..I have seen them for like $50 some places.

You will need a skimmer since most aggressive FOWLR only fish are pretty high bioload and tend to make a mess. I dont think puffers and lionfish are compatible but not sure.

You dont need a whole lot of LR for a FOWLR, for a 100 or 125, I would say 60 pounds or so would be fine.

 

this sounds like a go then. Any places online I can ge a fixture?

 

A cheap t5 fixture you can get at aquatraders.com....the only reason I'm suggesting this is because it's a fowlr. I have one on mine, and am very impressed

 

yeah you need a light for growth of beneficial bacteria and such to help maintain water quality. This will be even more important because you will be not using a protein skimmer or sump. You can get away with 2+ watts per gallon, but reefs will need closer to 3-4 WPG.

The minimum 'requirement' for live rock based filtration is basically 1/1 pounds per gallon. IE, you would be looking at 100-125 pounds of live rock. The more porous the better (more nooks and crannies for beneficial bacteria), but also the more expensive.

In General Puffers get along with very few fish.