FOWLR Info

[JasonGraves]

Does anyone have any experience with FOWLR setups? I am considering setting one up in my new home next month and would like someone to bounce information off of.

Thanks,

Jason

[reefer_for_life]

sure jason, just ask away. you can PM if you would like. good luck.

[WVfishguy]

FOWLR means Fish Only With Live Rock

I've got six FOWLRs in the field (customer tanks) and three in my fishroom. Really, most of the things which apply to a reef tank also applies to a FOWLR. You can get by with more nitrates, and phosphates don't seem to matter at all, unless you have a real problem with algae/cyano. Using an aragonite substrate seems to keep calcium levels up and algae/cyano under control.
People try to set up FOWLRs without using skimmers, but the one tank I take care of without a skimmer can only sustain damsels and other tough fish, like Scats. It also requires huge water changes to keep the nitrates below 100 ppm (!).
I personally refuse to set up any marine tank without a good skimmer.
You don't need bright reef lighting. Compact fluorescents are great, but you can use regular fluorescent tubes as well.
All the FOWLRS I've set up have refugiums. The larger the 'fuge, the more success I have at keeping fish alive. I'm sure you could just user a sump. Also, one tank I maintain does quite well with only lots of live rock, many powerheads, CF lighting and a HO Turbofloter skimmer.