Swim Tank

[PetRanch6892]

I want to convert my 29 to a "swim tank" as my boss calls it, i want to have some pretty looking fish that are hardy, and eat non-live fish. i have a regular fluresent light, 350 biowheel, airpump, 150 watt heater. he said all i need is salt, since i wont have any corals or LR, so i bought a some instant ocean seasalt. im going to get some fake plants, and new rocks. is there anything else i need? what fish do you recomend? i plan to add LR and corals over the summer when i have more money saved up.

[PetRanch6892]

what is a FLOWER tank? i might have spelled it wrong.

[cocoa_pleco]

FOWLR is Fish Only With Live Rock

[PetRanch6892]

ok thanks, what light do i need for one?

[cocoa_pleco]

for a FOWLR any lights will work, for corals you should get 300w of 50/50 on a 29g

[PetRanch6892]

ok, thanks i think ill just get a FOWLR for now. what substrate do i need, i have regular sand right now? is there a website that i can read to help me setup a FOWLR tank?

[cocoa_pleco]

i would use aragonite as a substrate

info-

http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/blank/bl_FOWLT2Reef.htm

[PetRanch6892]

thanks alot Cocoa, im sure ill have more questions later.

[country_boy454]

FOWLR is Fish Only With Live Rock

Wow, now I finally know what FOWLR stands for, LOL!

[PetRanch6892]

so i decided to buy a protien skimmer, and just use the penguin 350 on my 55, i also bought a powerhead. is this okay or should i have stuck with the biowheel? i plan to get a new light for my bday in a few months and get corals, so i thought i should just get a protien skimmer now.

[cocoa_pleco]

if you have lots of LR you can filter just by the LR.

the skimmer will help with water cleaning alot. my 55g is filtered only by 220lbs of LR

[jbeining75]

might as well the protein skimmer will bring undisolved organics to the surface and get it outta the tank.....

[PetRanch6892]

ok thanks, ill get the skimmer