Small Reef

A

AnneMarie

Registered Member
Jan 16, 2007
4
0
0
Lake Elsinore, Ca
Hello this is my first post here so please be kind.

I have been keeping freshwater fish for awhile now (1 Year). I now have a 20G tall that is all but empty of fish. I was thinking in setting it up as a small reef. What is the difference between what I have plus all the equipment and a Nano cube of a similar size? And do you think it is even posible? I would have mostly corals and intverts, maybe one or two fish.

This is something I have been thinking about and was wondering is it was even possible.

Another quick question, do you need a filter (HOB Canister) when you have live rock and a protien skimmer? The reason I ask is I have recv'd conflicting information.

Thank you in advance
 
Hi there, welcome to the forums...

Yes, of course it is possible...What are the dimentions of the tank ( length, width and hight )....??? You would be able to keep a couple of fish in there yes with corals and inverts....

On the issue of filter...The answer is.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................NO.............

he he he...Sorry, being silly there....

You dont need to have a mechanical filter providing you have 1 - 1.5lbs of live rock per gallon...The rock provides all the mechanical filtration you need..Some people have the canister on the tank and leave all the guts out abd use it for extra circulation..Plus, if you have an empty cannister filter running on the system then it provides you will a place to use chemical filtration live activated carbon to clean the water or remove medications used in the tank..It can have various uses...But, ultimatly, the answer to your question is no, you dont need one...

You asked about the difference in equipment aswell...Not sure what you have, so list what you currently use and then we can make informed decision...

Hope this helps a little for you...

Niko
 
I think there are some HOB type filters that provide skimming (Rio Backpack) that may be adequate for a 20g, if you decide you want skimming...
 
Thank you for the quick reply, I belive the tank is 24 x 12 x 16. It is currently a fresh water tank, but there are only three small fish in there and I have three other tanks I could put them in (yes I have MTS bad). I have a cannister fliter on the back of the tank that is rated for a 55gal, a heater , thermometer, and gravel substrate. I know that I would have to upgrade my lighting, find a skimmer. This idea is realy just in the - what would it take to do - stage. I am not in a position at the moment to get a bigger or even an additional tank ( my husband would kill me).

I have also just purchased an RO unit.
 
ok, well, your on the right track then..

Heater can be re-used, thermometer can be too...ditch the gravel and use sugar grade aragonite sand...Canister filter can be used should you decide to, but replace the filter media or just use as extra circulation.

Lighting will totally depend on what you are looking to have in there...I.E fish or corals..For just fish, you would be looking at standard lighting and a marine actinic blue..For corals, your going to be looking at about 3 bulb T5 unit or 150w Metal halide and marine blue actinics..

Skimmer noted above by Squawbert will be good enough for you...

Couple of powerheads, something like a couple of MaxiJet 600's or maybe just one 1200...

Good to see you brought an RO unit...a sound purchase there...

Niko
 
Now you guys have done it, I will have to look into this more. I am already thinking of swinging by the LFS on my way home from work. Ahh well who needs a paycheck anyway:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom