FOWLR vs Reef

[lefkonj]

Ok since I lost my fish to ICH a few weeks ago I have let the tank sit and just let it age out. I have done two water changes and maintained all my levels. Now its time to start thinking about adding critters. I am leaning towards the FOWLR because I am nervous about getting a sickness again and not being able to get it under control. Additionally with the reef I have to cut back on the fish quantities and the types are more limited. The problem is every time i visit the LFS I see some nice corals and get swayed back and forth.

Thoughts? Input?

 

[downbeach]

How long has the tank been sitting fallow?

 

[lefkonj]

Will be 4 weeks this coming week.

 

[downbeach]

Will be 4 weeks this coming week.

That would be a minumum, I might add a couple more as a margin of safety.

 

[panmanmatt]

Actually, 8 weeks is the minimum time to leave your tank fallow after an ich outbreak. 10-12 weeks is a better bet though.

 

[NikkiT]

Actually, 8 weeks is the minimum time to leave your tank fallow after an ich outbreak. 10-12 weeks is a better bet though.

I tend to agree with Matt, a longer fallow period is preferable. If you are concerned about another illness, consider setting up a quarantine system, and introducing fish after qt, or even just having a small tank, heater, and hob filter lying around. If you have a illness in your main tank, isolating and treating the fish in a hospital tank may be your best bet.

 

[downbeach]

Here's a good article:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichart2mar.htm