FW to SW conversion of 29G tank.

[pyrocreep]

Hello everyone,

I've been asking some questions around here in the last month or so and I have officially decided I am going to go to a SW tank. First off thanks for the info you've given me so far and thanks in advance for anything you give me in the future...I have a feeling I'll need it

As you might be able to tell from the pictures below this was my first tank. While I do like the way it's setup with what it had I wish I would have done a few things differnt. Oh well, hopefully it'll work out better this time.

I've already started to move the fish over into my 55G. Though it'll take about 2 more weeks or so for that move to be complete. So in the mean time I'm planning and starting to look around for my equipment. I already have about 20lbs of base rock sitting in my closest all cleaned off and ready to go. I will be picking up roughly 30lbs of sand and 10lbs of live rock on Sunday. I'll be keeping that going in a 5G bucket with a powerhead until I'm ready for it though. I could also be getting a light from the guy, but I'm waiting to see it before I say to much.

As for the actual setup as many of you have stated slower is better. Well I'm going to force myself as much as possible to stay in the budget and buy everything piece by piece. So I'll have to have a really good deal to go out and buy something I shouldn't

It will first be a FOWLR then moving into reef after I get the higher test kits and lighting. In the mean time I plan to keep atleast a pair of clowns (mainly for my girlfriend) and I actually have no clue what else I'm going to go with. I would love a scooter blenny, but also know I really shouldn't keep a scooter blenny I'm going to be living the skimmer off until I am up and going on a light reef as that's my main goal though. Reef first then fish.

So I'm going to leave this post off here with a nice blurry pic of the tank as it stands now.

 

[pyrocreep]

So...too keep the last post from getting to long I'm going to throw a couple questions down here.

If I add my base rock in with the live rock and sand while I am waiting to transfer everything will that help it cure? I seem to be getting two differnt answers. One is of yes with no real add ons. The other is yes, but not the the point that it would be fully cured and ready to go no matter how long it's in there. So which is which? Please don't tell me both

Also what type of stocking would I be looking at for the tank once my LR is fully cured? Keep in mind that this would be with only the LR and no skimmer for a time. So this would need to be on the low end rather than the high. Also with just the 10lbs I'll be buying what type of load would be adequte for that amount?

I will probably be adding a koralia 2 and 3 to the tank to begin with. Would 1 of these work for having just the FOWLR? I would probably got with the 3 to begin with just cause everything I can see more flow doesn't hurt just to little.

Also this will be predominitally LPS setup. I wouldn't really be doing much with SPS (I am going to try and setup an area that would be higher and harder for other things to get at though...we'll see when I do my rockwork) If I were to get frag racks though would it be possible to keep them still or does this bring up some other problems? Space would be an issue I can see.

*sigh* I know I'm missing more, but well...I guess I'll ask em as they come.

Thanks

 

[7itanium]

HOPE THIS HELPS!

So...too keep the last post from getting to long I'm going to throw a couple questions down here.

If I add my base rock in with the live rock and sand while I am waiting to transfer everything will that help it cure? I seem to be getting two differnt answers. One is of yes with no real add ons. The other is yes, but not the the point that it would be fully cured and ready to go no matter how long it's in there. So which is which? Please don't tell me both It couldnt hurt-- but its going to take a while for that base rock to become alive.. even as long as years I have heard

Also what type of stocking would I be looking at for the tank once my LR is fully cured? Keep in mind that this would be with only the LR and no skimmer for a time. So this would need to be on the low end rather than the high. Also with just the 10lbs I'll be buying what type of load would be adequte for that amount? you want to stock accordingly to having only 10 pounds of live rock.. and then slowly stock up as your base rock becomes alive

I will probably be adding a koralia 2 and 3 to the tank to begin with. Would 1 of these work for having just the FOWLR? I would probably got with the 3 to begin with just cause everything I can see more flow doesn't hurt just to little. I am not sure.. I will leave this one to an expert

Also this will be predominitally LPS setup. I wouldn't really be doing much with SPS (I am going to try and setup an area that would be higher and harder for other things to get at though...we'll see when I do my rockwork) If I were to get frag racks though would it be possible to keep them still or does this bring up some other problems? Space would be an issue I can see. You can keep any kind of corals that your lighting will allow.. weather they are LPS or SPS doesnt really matter-- just look at their specific needs

*sigh* I know I'm missing more, but well...I guess I'll ask em as they come.

Thanks

 

[pyrocreep]

I REMEBERED! Sorry...I always enjoy it when I actually remeber stuff. How about a clean up crew? With 10lbs that would support...what a fish or two and then some crew? What type and how many cleaners am I looking at here though?

 

[pyrocreep]

Alright so I had purchased my rock about a week ago now, but I'm trying to lay out how I want the hard scape to go. I layed out some electrical tape on my floor for the dimensions of the tank and started to lay down the rock. Now this isn't complete by any means because I am picking up at least 10 more pounds of rock tomorrow. That will take me up to right around 30lbs (there's 18 pictured).

The main thing that I'm looking for is to have the middle open. I like the arch look. Plus I figure that it will help with the overall flow of water through the tank. I would also like to keep the top the large flat piece. I figure I will at some point want at least a few SPS corals and this will give them a good high light platform while still keeping them away from any corals that might harm them. I did leave plenty of room around the sides...now is this more than enough? I may nudge everything back when I put it in the tank because I do want a maze brain or something similar. I should be able to put that directly onto the sand correct? I'm rambling again...

I may add more in of course depending on the general consenus...and if you think this will be stable. I have my worries on that part, but if it is sweet. So for your review...pictures!

 

[CollarCrazy]

Here is a site about making your own base rock. I know you're not doing that, but he shows how long it takes for base rock to become live.
http://www.airinheresreef.com/Aragocrete Rock.html

The photos are not well labeled so it's a bit confusing, but he states approximately how long it takes for that rock to progress.

The rock you're picking up later, is it also base rock? What kind of rock is that in the picture?

Don't bother with live sand-just a few nice pieces of live rock will seed your base and your sand just fine. This is a slower method than buying all live rock, but exponentially cheaper. If you don't mind waiting a few more months, go for it. It's interesting to watch it evolve anyway.

 

[pyrocreep]

The rock I'm picking up today is live rock. So when it finally goes into the tank it will be a 1/2 ratio of live to base. I know it's going to take longer, but that'll be fine. It'll force me to save for some good lighting. Plus the sand will be live sand from the same tank. While I have heard varrying things about how much live sand will help in a tank, I'm getting it for cheaper than buying the stuff brand new in a bag. So even if it only helps a little bit I'm not to picky.