View Full Version : Large FOWLER filtration
Nitroxdiver63
02/10/2016, 08:26 AM
I'm in the process of setting up a 220g fowler tank and wanted to get some input from you guys on what's the best sump, skimmer, return pump, etc. I'm trying to decide if I want to go with a Refugium sump or just use a reactor. Any and all input would be great!
sm fragman
02/10/2016, 10:19 AM
30 or 40 gallon tank for sump a big skimmer for size tank and a 20 gallon fuge would do nicely
Relojdepeso
02/10/2016, 10:34 AM
Try biopellets to nitrates down as well
sm fragman
02/10/2016, 12:54 PM
It's fish only you don't need the pellets just carbon more ben out of a fuge imo
juice79
02/10/2016, 01:39 PM
I ran my 210g fowlr with an just oversized skimmer, UV, and carbon dosed. No filter socks or refugium. FYI skimmer was a SRO3000INT
mnkykng77
02/10/2016, 11:27 PM
I'm currently running an AquaMaxx EM200 skimmer, and a bag of carbon on my FOWLR on my 120. I also use mesh filter socks to trap large particles. On my next larger build I plan to run it the same except for a larger skimmer and using a Carbon/GFO reactor.
Devaji108
02/11/2016, 02:08 AM
I would run a nice ATS and maybe skimmer.
L8Braker
02/11/2016, 07:56 AM
Go for the Ultima 2 1000 Bead filter, panworld pumps, aqua-c skimmer and some version of a sump which will hold your skimmer and filter socks for media.
Dmorty217
02/11/2016, 08:42 AM
Look into getting some Sera Siporax. With a FOWLR you need a large skimmer and the ability to control Nitrates
I would use something more like a 75G for sump. Get 2 good skimmers. 2 good ones are better than one awesome one and they are cheap compared to lots of chemicals. I used to use one becket and on needlewheel.
Get the big media reactor - you might want to run some GAC from time to time to clear-up the water. Something like a Phosban 550 and a maxi-jet will be fine for occasional use.
Vodka, sugar or vinegar can be your friend once the cycle is over... this does not have to be fancy. I just dropped like 1/4 teaspoon of sugar into the sump every day at the first feeding.
Laguna for a return pump (submerged), iwaki/blueline/ampmaster/panworld if external and Ehiem heaters on at least a cheap ranco controller for redundancy.
Nitroxdiver63
02/11/2016, 02:07 PM
Thanks for all of the input so far. I still have time because my tank is supposed to be in next week. I'm still finishing up my stand as well. I know I will be dealing with a lot of nitrates, so being able to keep them in check is a must. I'm currently fighting nitrates in my 90g reef tank. I starting vodka dosing 3 weeks ago and they still haven't come down yet!
Devaji108
02/11/2016, 06:18 PM
well there are a lot of options when it comes to filtration, in the end its your choice. i think the most important thing is just to go with the ones that makes since to you and you find fun and interesting. in the end they all achieve the same goal just in different ways.
with FOWLR you generally have more bio load not always, but often so ppl tend to use a few methods.
In my 240 reef I have years ago I just used a good skimmer and I was fine. but only had the tank for 6 moths before moving..:( but never had any problems.
all this rambling on i guess what i am getting at is I do think algae turf scrubbers are so often over looked. and I think it would be a cheap an effective way to add filtration to your tank. well worth looking it to IMHO. I bet you could DIY one for around 100 or less depending on how fancy you get. $$ spent on other goodies!
keep us posted in this build I would love to see pics when its up and running!
cheers
Devaji108
02/11/2016, 06:23 PM
and just to through out more options to add to the mix, how about a cheato reactors or display fuges..ha as you can see i tend to lean more on the side of biological filtration. but to see the value of others types as well.
Nitroxdiver63
02/11/2016, 08:43 PM
Thanks for the info devaji108,there is a lot to consider on this build. This will be the largest tank I've had and I would like to make as smooth running as possible.
L8Braker
02/12/2016, 07:18 AM
I have a 1000 gallon predator tank and nitrates can easily get out of hand without water changes. You need to stay on top of that weekly. Do you have a controller automating your aquarium now or future one? Do you monitor ORP?
An Algae Scrubber is probably one of the best ways to remove nitrates if you keep harvesting it! I have contemplated adding one to my tank, but just haven't taken the time lately.
Nitroxdiver63
02/12/2016, 08:30 AM
No I'm not Monitor my ORP? This is my first reef tank and I'm learning as I go here.
FOWLRs can blow right by what a fuge a turf scrubber can handle and then start to poison the plants with high levels or N and P. I got to where I could not keep a fuge on my FOWLR anymore.
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