Converting To Marine?

[Stampos]

Hi guys

I've got a 60x18x24 Seashell elite tank which I purchased a few months back from my local MA. It currently houses my SA cichlids and catfish.

It has a 30g sump, and a weir feeding a durso standpipe which exits via the base of the tank (drilled)it is a 40mm pipe. I'm currently using an Ocean runner 3500 as my return pump (940gph).

I've added 2x54w Hagen T5 lights, and using 18,000k spectrum bulbs (avoided 6700k so as not to promote algae)

I would like to know what I would need to add to enable me to keep a reef community? I like the soft corals and mushrooms, stuff like zoas, finger/leathers etc, so wouldn't attempt SPS etc. I have read that I need circa 20x turnover to keep corals, so would adding 2xKoralia 3 powerheads be sufficient? Would I include the flow from the OR in my calculations?

I've been told to use a skimmer capable of 2x capacity and have seen the aquamedic turboflotor 1000 SL - would this do it?

Also, how much live rock would I need in a tank of this size? I've been told 1kg per 10 litres, and as this is a 500l system the prospect of set up is daunting! Could I start with a lower amount and gradually add to it?

I was toying with the idea of an Orca TL550 to start with marines, but it seems a shame to let a reef ready tank not be used for its intended purpose. However, it seems that getting a big tank started is an expensive task!

Sorry for all the questions, I am at the beginning of my planning stages and would like some idea of the requirements.

Thanks,

Simon

 

[seffieuk]

Hi guys

Simon

I've got a 60x18x24 Seashell elite tank which I purchased a few months back from my local MA. It currently houses my SA cichlids and catfish. It has a 30g sump, and a weir feeding a durso standpipe which exits via the base of the tank (drilled)it is a 40mm pipe. I'm currently using an Ocean runner 3500 as my return pump (940gph).

A fantastic tank

I've added 2x54w Hagen T5 lights, and using 18,000k spectrum bulbs (avoided 6700k so as not to promote algae)

You could keep those bulbs, however I would change them to marine

I would like to know what I would need to add to enable me to keep a reef community? I like the soft corals and mushrooms, stuff like zoas, finger/leathers etc, so wouldn't attempt SPS etc.

Very good choice to start with

I have read that I need circa 20x turnover to keep corals, so would adding 2xKoralia 3 powerheads be sufficient? Would I include the flow from the OR in my calculations?

x 20 is the least amount

I've been told to use a skimmer capable of 2x capacity and have seen the aquamedic turboflotor 1000 SL - would this do it?

Yep indeed - indeed, also look at the deltec mce 600, you can often pick up one second hand

Also, how much live rock would I need in a tank of this size?

Approx 50K - get yourself a vat of some sort and then keep your eyes peeled for a reefer bbreaking down a tank - you will get the rock for about £5 a kilo


I've been told 1kg per 10 litres, and as this is a 500l system the prospect of set up is daunting! Could I start with a lower amount and gradually add to it?

Best not to - can set up mini cycles and cause problems

I was toying with the idea of an Orca TL550 to start with marines, but it seems a shame to let a reef ready tank not be used for its intended purpose. However, it seems that getting a big tank started is an expensive task!

Indeed it is - but slowly, slowly is the name of the game

Sorry for all the questions, I am at the beginning of my planning stages and would like some idea of the requirements.

Never be sorry for asking questions

Thanks,

Simon

Seffie x

ps don't forget to start your journel now - its great to have everything in one place and a good resource for others who come along after you

 

[Stampos]

Thanks Seffie

I've been out today to look at the costs of LR locally, P@H want £12 per kg whereas MA charge £10.95 for the first 10kg then £10 per kg thereafter. I have some credit with them also (used to breed plecs) so that will help! Or nearer the time I'll hopefully find a tank being broken.

I was initially thinking of using my LFS for my water as well, but have managed to persuade my parents to let me (read: my brother ) fit an RO unit under the sink and mix our own water I'll do some reading up on those. I'm also thinking of getting a waterbutt to put in the garden/shed for a storage/mixing vat.

Going to get 2x Koralia 4 for flow, which would give 17.2x turnover, adding that to my return pump (OR3500) should give me just over 20x turnover.

I've seen sunsun pumps on ebay which look very similar and have great turnover rates - but I'm not sure how reliable they would be?


Re: the journal - most certainly! I must admit I love reading journals and these have given me some great ideas for how to set up my tank. Yours and Trods were particularly helpful

Simon

 

[seffieuk]

Several people on here have bought the sunsun and been very happy with them including Trod

We will look forward to your journel - I love watching a tank being set-up

Seffie x