Help with starting a FOWLR tank!

[fowlr75]

Hello everyone! I am currently converting my 75 gallon fresh tank to a FOWLR tank. So far I have added about 52lbs of live rock (will end up with about 75lbs) with 2" of live sand. I have left from my fresh setup, two emperor 400 filters. Are they ok to use? I also have two koralia power heads on both ends of the tank. It has been up and running for about two weeks.

I just tested the water and it seems to be a little high in ammonia and nitrate. Nitrites look ok. I will be doing a 10% water change and retest.

I was told by my LFS that I didn't need a skimmer at this time, maybe months into my setup? Is that correct?
I was thinking of a predator tank, but I have seen some tanks online with corals in them. I have a six light fixture (3 blue,3 white) so I think I could support some if possibly finding the right ones?
I have been trying to research compatible fish that I could add together. I like triggers and some of the colorful angels. I definitely will be adding some triggers though. Any suggestions with tank mates will be helpful. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. :t^:

 

[3dees]

I converted my 120 gal. discus tank to a fowlr. you don't need filters. live rock, skimmer, and powerheads are enough. tank looks good. remember, if and when you add more live rock, you may start another mini cycle. even though people do it, a 75 gal. is too small for any trigger. these fish can grow to almost a foot long and need at least a six foot tank.

 

[fowlr75]

I converted my 120 gal. discus tank to a fowlr. you don't need filters. live rock, skimmer, and powerheads are enough. tank looks good. remember, if and when you add more live rock, you may start another mini cycle. even though people do it, a 75 gal. is too small for any trigger. these fish can grow to almost a foot long and need at least a six foot tank.
Looks like I should go ahead and get the rest of the rock ASAP. How long will a mini cycle take to complete? Should I add skimmer now or wait? Do all triggers get that large? Thanks

 

[jay0705]

Most triggers yes. While they are personable fish they can be difficult to house w each other and other fish. Especially when they get older

 

[3dees]

I put 140 lbs. of live rock at the start and my tank cycled in ten days. I ran my skimmer just to break it in. you don't have to run it since there is nothing to skim.

 

[geridoc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fowlr75 http:///t/396977/help-with-starting-a-fowlr-tank#post_3537221
Looks like I should go ahead and get the rest of the rock ASAP. How long will a mini cycle take to complete? Should I add skimmer now or wait? Do all triggers get that large? Thanks
It depends on how much die-off has occurred. It might be zero days, or up to several weeks. Best to add it and cycle before you add any fish.

 

[fowlr75]

It depends on how much die-off has occurred.  It might be zero days, or up to several weeks.  Best to add it and cycle before you add any fish.
Thanks,..I'll most likely get the rest of my rock this weekend.
Anyone have suggestions on stocking options??