FO Tank

[seschaefer]

i am going to be starting a 90 gal fish only tank. I was just wondering what all i need to start a FO Tank. Is there any special sort of filter i need? Does it still need to cycle? If i go without LR should i use a DSB? Really any info you guys can give me on FO tanks would be great.
thanks in advance for all of the input
-sean

 

[yae4volcom]

Any kind of aquarium needs to cycle including FO. I would go with a DSB because it will help to keep nitrates under control. I would also get LR making it a FOWLR. It provides great filteration and looks a lot nicer than fake rock or corals. I hope that helped.

 

[seschaefer]

i do plan to add LR but for financial reasons it is going to have to be over a period of time. Thanks for the info. I guess it would have to cycle to take care of the ammonia and nitrates and trites. Thanks
-sean

 

[beaslbob]

Originally posted by seschaefer
i am going to be starting a 90 gal fish only tank. I was just wondering what all i need to start a FO Tank. Is there any special sort of filter i need? Does it still need to cycle? If i go without LR should i use a DSB? Really any info you guys can give me on FO tanks would be great.
thanks in advance for all of the input
-sean
Welcome:
Basically you need a substrait, saltwater, tank. And yes you do have to cycle. Everything else is option even if highly desirable. DSB and LR are used by most. I used playsand and base rock. Some circulation and filtration helps. I highly recommend you establish a thriving plant growth then do the rest. Only wish I had known about macros and marine plants when I started my current salt tank.
Again welcome

 

[squidd]

If you are not going to add Live Rock at this time and only go with a sand bed I would suggest "Seeding" the sand with bacteria laden sand (purchased or donated from an established tank) some rubble from the bottom of you LFS rock curing tank (if they have one) and using one of the "canister" type filters that provide area for "Biological Media" for bacteria to grow.