Pondering converting a tank to sw...

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fishie111

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Feb 5, 2007
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I am thinking about starting a sw tank. I have several fw tanks running (75G, 46G, 36G, 29G and 20H).

I was thinking about moving the stock from my 20H into my 28G bow. However, with some adjustments, I might be able to distribute the 20H's occupants around my other tanks, allowing me to save the 28G bow for salt.

I'd like to keep an occelaris. I saw several at a lfs yesterday and they really caught my eye. (Yes, I know these are "nemo" fish, but I might be the only person on earth who has never seen the movie so that's not why I'm attracted to them.)

I was planning to order a Rena XP2 for the 28G- will this filter be okay for sw? I currently have Penguin 150 HOBs for it, but prefer canisters because they are quieter.

What else will I need? I'm thinking FO or FOWLR.
 
a 28 isnt very big for a fowlr
you might as well go for an all out reef, then you could use your 20 instead, a metal halide with actinic supplements, i can see it already!
cannisters for sw are kinda corny, people usually use live rock for filtration, and the filter media in canisters usually just become nitrate factories
 
I agree about using HOB filters and canisters... They trap detritus which in turn breaks down into Dissolved Organic Compounds...

DOC's are removed by Skimmers, Fuges (macro algae ..plants), and water changes.

I would look into hob skimmers like Reef Octopus and CPR BakPak brands.


Filters needed are Rocks, Substrate, and Skimmer. That is it. Fuges are not a must but are great to have with a FOWLR. (fish only with live rock).

Since you are going fish...you wont need the expensive lighting. Thats a huge bonus financially.


So generally to get started:
(without sump or fuge)
1lb of live rock per gallon in general doesn't have to be exact..like 15lbs in a 20 is just fine.

Bare bottom or sand is up to you...

Korilia Power heads #3 would be good minimal. *PS #3 is model number...not x3 amount *

Heater...

Basic lighting for now is fine....

Do not Skim till cycle is done..defeats the purpose...you suck out the decay you need to get the cycle going...prolonging the cycle..

IMPORTANT:
Water source is very important. RO/DI water for top offs... *buy your own RO unit or buy the water*
Mixing your own salt water also using the same water.

Master Test kits for Marine:
Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Alk, Calc, Phosphate, and high range PH
 
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great knowledge I learn so much here
cant wait to start
 
Thanks for the detailed advice!

I noticed that the recommended skimmers are oversized. Is that recommended in general, or is it just better to buy bigger in case you upgrade later?
 
fishie111 said:
Thanks for the detailed advice!

I noticed that the recommended skimmers are oversized. Is that recommended in general, or is it just better to buy bigger in case you upgrade later?
Click to expand...

It's recommended in general...and I am one of those who believe you can never over skim. Read my sig on skimmer 1o1 link also to understand skimmers better.

It's all about water chemistry: Water Chemistry for the Marine Aquarium - Google Books is a book I started reading when I first messed up. It has helped me understand more.

*Skimmers are not needed to maintain a tank...same as a shovel isn't needed to dig a hole...but sure does make a job a lot more easy to do!*

So pardon my stressing the get the skimmer as big as you can buy..the secondary bonus is if you do upgrade tank size you don't have to buy another one like I did first time in the game...


Conski said:
get ready for a very large addiction and to be willing to spend alot of money
Click to expand...

Over time =) you forgot to add that ....
 
get ready for a very large addiction and to be willing to spend alot of money
 
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