Is it possible to grow any colorful or interesting life on the live rocks in a FOWLR tank?

[vtvsd]

I've kept cichlids for years but I'd like to switch to a FOWLR tank with a few manageable SW fish in a 55 gallon tank. With T5 lighting and a good filtration setup, it is possible to grow or at least keep any kind of algae or plants or sponges, corals, etc., that won't require the same care as a reef tank?

 

[snakeblitz33]

Entirely possible, but it also depends on your stock list.

There are several types of fish that like to eat macroalgaes, such as tangs. There are also sponge eating fish - like some butterflies and angels. Some invertebrates also eat pretty stuff - such as certain urchins like to eat coralline.

So, the answer I guess depends on what you are going to keep in your fish only aquarium. I'm sure there are plenty of people here willing to help.

The only thing I suggest is to have some good lights to grow the pretty stuff - such as a decent LED system or at minimum a T5HO setup.

 

[vtvsd]

Thanks. I'll keep that information in mind. My plan is to go with "beginner" fish like wrasses, maybe chromis, and clowns...I just want to stay away from fake décor because I've never seen any that look realistic.

 

[jay0705]

Coraline is generally the most colorful stuff that grows on the rock. snake is correct tho my tang and fox love new rock bc they eat alot of whats on it lol except the caroline

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by VTVSD http:///t/397341/is-it-possible-to-grow-any-colorful-or-interesting-life-on-the-live-rocks-in-a-fowlr-tank#post_3541331
Thanks. I'll keep that information in mind. My plan is to go with "beginner" fish like wrasses, maybe chromis, and clowns...I just want to stay away from fake décor because I've never seen any that look realistic.



I agree with both Snake and Jay,

Check out Golf Coast Ecosystems.... also even a fish only system can usually manage mushroom corals. There are macros that fish of any sort will leave alone. Coraline algae is pretty on the rocks, but after it gets on everything ... it just looks all blah one color.

 

[vtvsd]

Thanks for suggestions. I'll checkout Gulf Coast Ecosystems. I'm still in the process of building my tank set up but I'll post a pic once it's all ready to go or something like that. I also want to try my hand and DIY live rock. Just have to be careful.

 

[celbrise]

from what i have seen Coraline Algae is very easy to grow and maintain and theirs various colors. if your live rock already has it then you can just scrub it off with the filter off and a power head on to spread the spores and it should grow in a few weeks if conditions are right.

you can also buy coraline algae plate boosters but idk if your live rock already has it or not

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by VTVSD http:///t/397341/is-it-possible-to-grow-any-colorful-or-interesting-life-on-the-live-rocks-in-a-fowlr-tank#post_3541329
I've kept cichlids for years but I'd like to switch to a FOWLR tank with a few manageable SW fish in a 55 gallon tank. With T5 lighting and a good filtration setup, it is possible to grow or at least keep any kind of algae or plants or sponges, corals, etc., that won't require the same care as a reef tank?
Hi, welcome to the site!

Snake is right about certain fish being nibblers of macros.... A 55g is too small for tangs, so macroalgae is the way to go. Red decorative ones will look the best, no fancy lights needed. The best thing about macros is that they help to keep the water quality pristine. Check out Golf coast ecosystems.

 

[pfcbizz]

This is very interesting I'm in the process of redoing my tank setup and now I'd like to add some macro algae in to my aquatic landscape and here is a list of fish I plan to also add to my tank
1.coral beauty angel
2. caribbean blue tang
3. six-lined wrasse
4. purple pseudochromis
5. foxface
6. samurai squirrelfish

so do tell if this is or isn't good choiceing in fish ?

 

[flower]

Hi,

You can purchase maiden's hair, it is not considered tasty to most fish, but it's very green. Dwarf angels, foxface and tangs will gobble up most other macroalgae. Sponges are not safe around dwarf angels either, sponge is a natural part of their diet.

 

[pfcbizz]

Hi,

You can purchase maiden's hair, it is not considered tasty to most fish, but it's very green. Dwarf angels, foxface and tangs will gobble up most other macroalgae. Sponges are not safe around dwarf angels either, sponge is a natural part of their diet.

I like it is there any others in different colors ?

 

[flower]

I like it is there any others in different colors ?

Hi,

Check out "Golf Coast Ecosystems".... they have an on-line book on the site (I copy pasted the link), it isn't a store, it's just the book, so it should be allowed. It tells you about the different macros, and if they are considered tasty by the fish. Macros fall into different groups...Red...brown... and Green. The red group has many shades, including pink. The Brown has golden and yellow in it's group, and the green has many shades of green. It depends on the macro. http://marineplantbook.com/