Should I convert my 65g?

[Blinky]

I've got a planted 65g with ~300W of PC lighting, a FilStar XP2 and a few PHs lying around. For a while now I've been considering converting it to SW, maybe a FOWLR since I have a little reef in the bedroom. I figure I'd need a skimmer and the LR, and not much else (the stand doesn't allow room for a sump), which makes it REALLY tempting. I would likely be able to get a decent amount of credit for the livestock and plants, which would help offset the setup costs... I'd just like a few thoughts. I really enjoy SW and after 15 years FW is getting a little stale, but maybe it's a crazy idea
Let me know what you think!

 

[Decz]

I know what you mean when you say that FW gets stale. I had FW for years and finally converted to SW a couple of years ago... since then FW just hasn't been the same! I still keep a 20 gallon freshwater, but everything else is SW!

I vote to convert!

 

[wastememphis]

I have a sump in my 65gallon stand... I'd convert it since I don't like freshwater but its up to you.

 

[reiverix]

I had to vote to leave things as they are. I've got my 55g reef and 75g heavily planted tank side by side and they look real good together. It's a nice contrast. When I have visitors, I can see their eyes moving back and forth between them.

 

[Blinky]

Thanks for the votes guys! It's a bit of a hard decision. The 65g looks nice, but my guests pay absolutely no attention to it, they want to see the reef. It is tempting to leave it even though I can see it's SW potential - the tank is heavily planted with Crypts and needs next to no attention other than water changes, fertilizing and pruning it back every two months or so and the fish are happy and healthy...
The stand is two shelves with a cabinet in the centre that's just large enough for the canister filter - no option for a sump under there unfortunately.
I was a bit worried about leaving plants all together and feeling sad, but there's a 10g planted tank and a 1g planted cube in the other room to take care of. I think I'll wait for a few more opinions, but I'm leaning towards converting.

 

[SirReal63]

I faced the same issue, decided to go salt. I have a 75 gallon that was nicely planted, but I inherited a yellow tang and I knew he would not be happy in my 58 gallon, so the decision got easier. I converted the 75 to fowlr but it does haver a few mushrooms and polyps in it.

Here is what it was...not bad for a planted tank.

Here is what it is becoming...slowly.

 

[reiverix]

Well if you go SW then make it a reef. I can't imagine keeping a SW without corals just as I couldn't keep a FW without plants. It seems somehow incomplete without them. A few other halfway options maybe...

A planted SW tank
A brackish mangrove tank

 

[Blinky]

Nice! Well, I'm going to make up a list of all my fish and plants, see what the LFS can do for me in terms of a trade-in for LR. I think I want to go FOWLR so I can keep fish that may eat coral. Now everything just hinges on how much I can get for the current inhabitants - if we have to spend $400 on rock, I don't think my husband will go for it but he might be more inclined if it's going to cost half that

 

[Swimfins]

I'm a no. From what I've seen, in saltwater, bigger is always better.
Although your 65 is a good size, I think its a bit small for saltwater.
I was considering the same thing awhile back, but after meeting the over 100 gallon folks, I'm convinced I want 100g or more so.....$$$$$ will wait.

 

[Blinky]

Interesting point, it's not exactly a huge tank. Thankfully I'm not a fan of tangs, triggers and the like; I don't think space is as much of an issue as it would be if I wanted big fish.
I was talking to some folks at work today, asking their thoughts, and we came up with a nice FOWLR plan. The largest fish I'd like to keep is a Potter's angel at 4-5". Unfortunately this is the biggest tank I'll have to work with for a long time to come - we live in a highrise apartment building and have somewhat limited space. The 65g tank fits perfectly in our 'book nook'. I'm still undecided, as I said it largely depends on whether or not I can trade my current FW stock in.