fowlr setup

[jc]

My father is interested in setting up a 75 gallon saltwater tank. He has had a 30 gallon hex tank for over 20 years so he is familiar with keeping fish. One thing he does not do is water changes so that may be a problem. I was thinking a fowlr tank would be the way to go. I want to keep it as simple as possible. First, for looks I would add a thin layer of sugar size sand less than 1/2 inch deep. I plan on using tap water even though I know that algae will be a problem. Next, I plan on adding 40 to 50 lbs. of LR. The LR will be for filtration and decoration. Two powerheads for circulation. The lights are power compacts in a 48" fixture with 260w total. I don't want to use a sump. That means I need a hang on protein skimmer.
If I keep the fish under 3" and lightly stocked will I need a protein skimmer at all? I would prefer not to have to use a protein skimmer if it were possible. The fish would be things like: ocellaris clownfish, flame angel, bangaii, pseudochromis, gobies.

[ErikH]

This would be one of those scenarios where you would need to add a fish and test your levels, then add another fish and test again. There will more than likely be alot of testing on the frontside until you get all of your fish in. If you start to see a rise in levels, you may need to add more rock and sand....

[BA]

what erik said it prob a really good idea. with no sump or skimmer, go really slow and see how your tank reacts, but with smaller fish and a light bioload hopefully it'll work

[RayAllen]

A large canister filter would do great on a 75g FOWLR. Id use one rated for twice the size of the tank.

[jc]

A canister filter is a good idea. A large enough one can handle the flow and chemical filtration. In regards to the testing I would add the fishes slowly, but I think that the LR should provide enough bacteria for a light fish load. I understand why skimmers are used on reef tanks, but can't fish handle the waste more easily. How would a 25 gallon monthly water change be instead of a skimmer.

[jc]

I decided just to go freshwater or else I'll be doing aquarium maintenance for free. I got some great rock and gravel from biocube14. How much weight can a 75 gallon tank take?

[RayAllen]

Quite a lot of weight. Freshwater tanks are great to. One of my past favorites was my 75g South American Amazon Earth Eater tank. I had lots of driftwood and plants with river stone.

[JimD]

I love fresh water planted tanks with neons and angelfish, very cool espacialy with halides!