Reef or FOWLR

What is the difference besides the coral/anemones etc?

What is the difference besides the coral/anemones etc?

the lighting options (usually less required)
the filtration options(can go for more ammonia/nitrite removal at the cost of added
nitrates)
the "acceptiable" water parameters (higher nitrates =:)
the stocking levels (more fish/inverts besides coral )


the biggest difference

the opinion of the owner


--
Richard Reynolds

I think the FOWLR would be cheaper and easier to maintain. For one, you
don't need to purchase and maintain the intense light source that a reef
tank requires. You also don't need to worry about as many water parameters,
which saves on test kits and dosing supplements.

Regards,

Dave.

"BigHaig" wrote in message
nk.net...
What is the difference besides the coral/anemones etc?

I've read some books and magazine articles that indicate for a fish-only

i dont know which ones so i cant comment directly about them

tank, you don't require a protein skimmer and can use filtration techniques
similar to those used in fresh water tanks (bio-wheel, for example... a
place for nitrifying bacteria to populate and merrily live out their lives
converting ammonia to nitrite and then, another bacteria, nitrite to
nitrate).

the removal of the PS doesnt change for a reef to fowlr or fo setup, and actually can
become more important not less. things like bio wheels are a good thing for a FO and can
be a good thing for a fowlr

Higher nitrates may be acceptable for a fish-only tank, but
you'll still need to be careful that they don't result in an algae problem.
For this, regular water changes can help. In addition, in a fish-only tank,
you can just turn off the lights for a couple of days.

there are better ways to combat algae, once you no longer want corals to live. the almost
instant drop in light is the biggest the ability to select fish that would nip on corals
but consume algae is another.


Regards,

Dave.

--
Richard Reynolds