fish only tank what do i need

[llewro]

i have been keeping freshwater fish and wish to convert my 3 foot tank to marine. I only want to have a fish only system. I have been doing a lot of researching( sumps, protein skimmers, DSB etc) but what are the essentials for a fish only system. I already have hang on the side type filter, internal filter and heater. My tank is not drilled.

If i want to add some live rock and invertebretes e.g. shrimps will this impact on the type of setup.

[Charles Poole]

As far as nature is concerned, only lighting may be of consideration for a FO tank.

All other aspects should resemble a reef tank (LR, LS, attention to water quality, etc...)

Without a real need for intense lighting, you will likely do fine under standard bulbs.

[c1ownfish]

I have had a 75gal FOWLR system setup for abour 5 years!!

Here is what my setup has!!
75 gal glass
sump w/ bioball filt
protein skimmer
40 watt actinic bulb
40 watt 50/50 bulb
40 trichromatic bulb
heater
thermometer
powerhead for circulation
120 lbs live rock
crushed coral substrate
tomato clown
3 damsels
blenny
pseudochromis
brittle star
pincushion urchin
assortment of snails

HTH!! Let me know if you have any specific questions!!

Malia

[Charles Poole]

It's good to see you again Malia... :)

[llewro]

i'm trying to work out if I really need o have my tank drilled. it seems like that in order to setup properly I need to
thanks

[c1ownfish]

My established tank is not drilled but I am in the process of cycleing a few new tanks and I have had all those drilled... I think it makes life easier and quiter!!! HTH

[Charles Poole]

I would prefer a pre-drilled tank myself, but the 2 I have now are not drilled.

[Armadillo]

I am jumping ay ahead of myself with this since my 55 isn't even up and running. These new acrylic tanks can you get the bottom molded for the sump. I would think that would decrease risk of leakage?

[Charles Poole]

They can do just about anything you can think of with Acryllic. Except wash the dishes.... :)

[Armadillo]

Hehe... I know people complain about noise but when I was running my FW tank with the penguin HOB filter.. We actually enjoyed the water falling back into the tank. I actually fall asleep more often on the couch now because of it.

[Charles Poole]

Same here... :)

I woke up one morning with my daughter asking me, "Daddy, are you sleeping on the couch 'cause mommy snores?"