Newbie questions (don't you just love them?)

What test kits do you all recommend for a 49 gal FOWLR? My test kit tests for Ammonia, Ph, Nitrite, and Nitrate. Are other test kits needed?

I have a canister filter, protein skimmer, and a whisper power filter from an old fresh water set-up. Do I need power heads?

The filter material for the whisper filter needs to be changed every week, but after a month I checked the canister filter and it was not very dirty at all, how often does it need to be cleaned?

Thanks for your help,

 

As for the test kits, I think you may be all set. Maybe someone else can give an opinion on that.

Regarding the canister filter, it's not the stuff that makes it visibly dirty that you're looking for. Rather, a lot of detritus and gunk, for lack of a better word, is why the weekly recommendation. Once weekly is probably the minimum for tank health.

 

So you have 40lbs of live rock. Honestly, I don't think you need the other mechanical filtration. Between the rock and the skimmer, you have it covered. The rest is a something to spend money on and raise nitrate levels if not cleaned properly. If you have the money and/or the desire to do so, I would put another 10 to 20 pounds of base rock in there to increase the biological filtration. For a FOWLR, it is recommended that you have 1lb/g. For a reef tank 1.75 to 2lb/g.

And I cannot think of any other test kits you need for a FOWLR. Just be aware that there is a difference in quality between companies. I would get a Salifert nitrate test kit to test from here on out. That is the only thing I would do in this arena if I were you.

Peace.......John.

 

It depends on what media is used in the canister filter that determines how often it needs changed. I have three different media types in mine and all are changed at different times. I would definitely get a couple power heads. You have to have flow to keep the algae down to.

 

Thanks for your advice. I am glad I found you guys your a big help.

 

What do ya think dude? A couple of Koralia 1s? That would put him at 17 or 18 off the top of my head. I don't know what the requirements are for a FOWLR, but I reaaallllly like the Koralias and they do a better job in pairs.

 

You know I would say the Koralias to they are great. I think the # 1's should work with the flow from the canister

 

I would go with 2 Koralia #2s.

Approximate gph of cannister filter, whisper power filter, and protein skimmer: 400
2 Koralia #2s: 1200
Total: 1600 gph.
1600/49g = 32.7x turnover rate.

I have about 1200 gph in my 38g.
1200/38g = 31.6x turnover rate. Turns out to be a good amount of flow, without being ridiculous. In fact, I may swap a Koralia #1 for a #2 and put the #1 in my 20g.