Need input on my 180 gallon idea FOWLR

Groovynewbie420 · Mar 10, 2024

I’m completely new and only in the research stage so please be gentle lol!!! I want to do a FOWLR 180 gallon tank. 360 LBS of live rock, I plan on running 2 filters ,Premier Series Wet/Dry Filtration System 400 (45" x 12" x 18") - Pro Clear Aquatic Systems would this work?? If not any suggestions?? The protein skimmer I plan to use is FC-180 In-Sump Protein Skimmer. Would this work, if not any suggestions?? The heater I plan on using is 400W Titanium Aquarium Heater w/ Helio Controller - Redundancy Bundle, should I use 2 one on each side of the tank?? Any suggestions?? Lighting I definitely need some input on, help!!??? Any other equipment I’m missing??? Now let’s talk about my first wishlist: 1. Orange-back angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) 1.Black Cap Basslet(GRAMMA MELACARA). Group of 4-6 Blue Gudgeon dart fish(PTERELEOTRIS HETEROPTERA). Group of 4-6 bicolor chromis (CHROMIS MARGARITIFER) 1. Pink skunk clownfish (AMPHIPRION PERIDERAION) do I need an Anemone or no?? 1.Splendid Dottyback(PSEUDOCHROMIS SPLENDENS). I would love some invertebrates/ clean up crew, I’m just not sure what would work and be appropriate. I look forward too any and all feedback.

Groovynewbie420 · Mar 10, 2024

Help!!!! Lol

fascinated · Mar 10, 2024

As far as equipment, I also have a 180g but I run 2-800watt heaters. One is set differently as a back up. Don't want to come home to a cold tank. I run a trigger 48 sump ( 65g??) With a reef octopus 150, small for when the tank finally takes off maybe. Hope someone can add more info for you. I'm still learning as we all are. Always a work in progress.

fushi · Mar 10, 2024

Groovynewbie420 said:
I’m completely new and only in the research stage so please be gentle lol!!! I want to do a FOWLR 180 gallon tank. 360 LBS of live rock, I plan on running 2 filters ,Premier Series Wet/Dry Filtration System 400 (45" x 12" x 18") - Pro Clear Aquatic Systems would this work?? If not any suggestions?? The protein skimmer I plan to use is FC-180 In-Sump Protein Skimmer. Would this work, if not any suggestions?? The heater I plan on using is 400W Titanium Aquarium Heater w/ Helio Controller - Redundancy Bundle, should I use 2 one on each side of the tank?? Any suggestions?? Lighting I definitely need some input on, help!!??? Any other equipment I’m missing??? Now let’s talk about my first wishlist: 1. Orange-back angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) 1.Black Cap Basslet(GRAMMA MELACARA). Group of 4-6 Blue Gudgeon dart fish(PTERELEOTRIS HETEROPTERA). Group of 4-6 bicolor chromis (CHROMIS MARGARITIFER) 1. Pink skunk clownfish (AMPHIPRION PERIDERAION) do I need an Anemone or no?? 1.Splendid Dottyback(PSEUDOCHROMIS SPLENDENS). I would love some invertebrates/ clean up crew, I’m just not sure what would work and be appropriate. I look forward too any and all feedback.

There are many ways to get a good result, however there are certain things that will make life a lot easier.

I prefer a simple sump, the less junk to clean the better.
I highly recommend a filter roller of some sort, they will make your life a lot easier.
I like the smarter reef 2 n 1 or the redsea rollermat with cheaper aftermarket filter floss.
Smarter Reefs 2 n 1
The roller mats will help keep nutrients down and save you time cleaning filter socks.

As for the rocks, I wouldn't worry too much about the amount of rock, I know some people have a formula. I like to use enough rock to make a nice living situation for the fish and a nice aqua scape.

Your dart fish will be happy with sand, mine dig big caves under the rock.

Nothing will make cycling easier than live rock and live sand, just keep an eye out for hitch hikers.

You may also want to think about macro algae as a nutrient export. I like caulerpa prolifera or cheto they have always worked well for me.

I also like to sprinkle a little vitamin c on my fishes frozen food, I think it makes their colors look nice. Careful not too much as it is a carbon source.
vitamin c