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Running FOWLR & SPS reef

arvin

NJRC Member
Hello,

I currently have a 180g reef. I am thinking of converting this to a FOWLR and setup a sps dominated reef separately. The size I have in mind is rimless 36X36X24h or smaller. I am looking for ideas on how to run these two systems side by side.

I have the usual arsenal for running the current system. Two skimmers, sump, bio-pellet reactor, chiller, refugium, salt mix setup, auto top off, dosing pumps etc etc. They are all connected to the basement sump with DT in the living room. Do I have to establish another similar setup for another tank? One problem I am facing is that I am running out of space in my basement and have to get creative in using the available space.

One option I was thinking is to fit a sump under the new tank and make it everything self-contained within the cabinet, without having to plumb it from basement. Then I have to worry about Auto top off, water change etc where a basement sump makes it incredibly helpful.

Another option I have is that I can try and run both tank in the same system and avoid messy eaters in the FOWLR. I am not sure if that's worth the trouble.

Does FOWLR need a chiller during hot months? Does it need a refugium?

Pl. chime in with your ideas!
Arvin.
 
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