starting a FO/FOWLR tank

Hello to all,

I used to have two reef tanks four yrs ago. I loved my tanks but due to personal issues I had to put an end to my hobby. Having a 55g and 20g reef just became too much work and expense for me.

I love fish and find them very relaxing. I would enjoy a fish only tank but I am debating on a FOWLR.

I'm looking at starting a tank between 10g - 20g but I'd like some suggestions.

1. If I do FOWLR what lighting is considered good today to keep LR.(used to have T5HO for my reefs)
2. Do I need a skimmer or is a filter enough
3. How many fish can I keep in a nano tank? Clownfish are my #1

thanks so much, happy to be back

 

welcome back nemo! if it's a choice between the 10 and 20 for a FO, I'd choose the 20 then you can keep more fish. You really don't need to worry about light just enough light to hopefully keep some coralline algae spreading and healthy. There was a posting recently on here listing out some neat nano fish.....I don't remember who it was that posted it. I'm thinking if you go with the 20, you could keep a pair of clowns and how many others would depend on their size....you could perhaps keep a goby/pistol shrimp pair (one of my favorites) and maybe one other smaller fish. I'm sure others on here will chime in - there are many beautiful nano tanks on this forum

 

Thank you so much. I am trying to do this in an affordable way.

I'm finding it difficult to locate information on filteration and lighting for a FOWLR.

Do you really need special lighting for LR addition into the tank? Is a skimmer necessary?

 

Many will say that if you keep up with regular water changes that you don't need a skimmer (at least once a week). I think basic lighting should be sufficient. What do you have now? I have always used a skimmer on my saltwater tank - I kept a FOWLR for many years and have just recently gotten back into reef keeping. I think it's a good idea especially if you like to feed your fish

 

I agree with OFK! Lighting won't matter, just whatever looks good to you and is in the budget. I would definitely still run a skimmer personally. And finally, go at least with a 20. Even better would be to get an AIO nano, such as JBJ 28 or Biocube 29. But basically, the bigger, the better.

 

Agreed, the bigger the better, although AIO's aren't very budget friendly and even fowlr wise their filtration is pretty bad.
I'd go with a 20L/29 and de-rim it or get a rimless tank (But that will cost more)
With that you could do..
2 clowns
1 other small fish
Or if you got the 29 you could add on another small fish
For filtration, maybe a modded ac110 or a small internal skimmer like the Hydor Slim Skim or what evs.
HTH and welcome back