Changing From Tropical To Marine?

[Smells a bit fishy]

Oh yeh sand. Now live coral sand or other sand? And what is the cost of that? I can't use my current aquarium sand can I?

 

[StandbySetting]

No, as before you need an arogonite sand, don't buy live sand, it's a gimic, just buy coral sand.

 

[fishy55599]

thermometer to make sure the water doesnt get too hot

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Oh power heads are cheap. Ive just seen 2500LPH on a very well known auction site for £15 new. So that's the last of my worries lol

A stick on thermometer on the tank already, also got a LCD one in the tank too

 

[StandbySetting]

You'll want an alcohol thermometer, digital ones aren't very accurate.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Ok. I have one in my smaller tank aswell, although it's floating at the moment as the sucker doesnt work properly.

Oh one more thing lighting. I will get T5 bulbs as I would rather buy the right one rather than buying a T8 then having to buy a T5 later. Now how many bulbs for my tank? Will 2 e enough?

 

[StandbySetting]

How deep is it? You are aware that you can't just put T5 tubes in a T8 fitting? You will need new ballasts.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

I havn't even got a T8 fitting.

The dimensions are 4ft x 15" x 15". Actually it's not quite 200 litres. Just under

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Ok actually 175 litres. I measured from the wrong place the first time.

 

[fishy55599]

can still keep some nice stuff

 

[woody88]

Unless you buy a 2nd hand lighting unit then may I suggest you think about making your own. You'd not believe how easy they are.

You can get a couple of pre wired twin output electronic ballasts for about a tenner each off fleabay. They usually come with the T5 lamp holders and securing clips also.
Just get some 1.5mm 3 core flex and a plug top and jobs a good un!!!!

As for mounting it how about 2 or 3 short lengths of 20mm conduit and a polished metal chimney off a cookerhood.

Cheap, cheerful, unique and it will do the job for less than half the price of a brand new unit.

Live rock is your biological filter takes care of ammonia, nitrite)
For LR to filter you need to create plenty of flow.

Protein skimmers aren't exactly nessecary if you keep the bioload resonantly low and perform good weekly water changes.

If you decide to keep coral then you will need to run a phosphate remover either in a small internal or external filter or even in a media bag in front of a powerhead. Or you could go the natural way and add cheatomorpha algae as this absorbs phosphates and nitrates.

Make sure your heater is suitable for salt water as some are freshwater only.

To work out roughly how much LR you need then work out how many gallons your tank holds, halve it and that's how many kilograms you need if LR.

Look forward to seeing your progress mate.

When your ready to go then about starting a journel.

You could also request a 'buddy' a so called personal tutor if you will that would guide you step by step through the setup and maintenance.

And lastly! WELCOME TO THE SALTY SIDE!!!!

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Thankyou very much. I'm not sure when I will start converting. But I will buy most of the bits before I convert, and the LR last. I will keep you posted

Thanks again for everyones help

 

[woody88]

Thankyou very much. I'm not sure when I will start converting. But I will buy most of the bits before I convert, and the LR last. I will keep you posted

Thanks again for everyones help

No problem mate! Were all happy to help!

Keep us posted!

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Ok, just had a look at my bulb. It's a 40w T8 bulb. So I won't get a T5 ballast just yet. But if I were to use my T8 would I have to surround it with polished metal?

Also live rock, what one would you suggest? I think Fiji is the most common, is that ok or are there prettier ones for about the same money?

 

[woody88]

Ok, just had a look at my bulb. It's a 40w T8 bulb. So I won't get a T5 ballast just yet. But if I were to use my T8 would I have to surround it with polished metal?

Also live rock, what one would you suggest? I think Fiji is the most common, is that ok or are there prettier ones for about the same money?

Polished metal or a genuine reflector are recommended as they help re direct the beam towards the tank. Especially if your running T8's.

Fiji and java are my personal favs for LR.

There is also tonga and others. Don't waste your money buying all top grade LR as you won't be able to see it all once you build your scape. Just use some plate or base rock to build it up then add your better LR on top.

I cheated with mine and bought dead ocean rock and used that ad it's cheap. After a few months mixed with live rock you wont be able to tell the difference.