Going To Join The Dark Side (Salty)

[rdp50734]

Hi I am going to go salty. Thing is where do I start?

About my tank, its a 350l trigon. T8 lighting 2 x 36W and 2 x 24W, currently its running as a tropical setup. It has 2 external filters a rena xp 2 and a fluval 305. Also a 1200 lph powerhead. 300W heater but the house is always warm anyway (Mrs is a reptile).

I want to keep things as simple and cheap as possible at least until I know what I'm doing! We would like corals, fish and inverts. Is this a reef tank?

Ready for the advice.

Can I use the filters or is it just live rock?
How do I go about the switch?
Can I use my current media?
Do I have to change my gravel?
If I cant use my media how do I cycle the tank? (fish in?)
How do I go about live rock, is it needed?

I have been looking into skimmers, what lph should I be looking for? How about http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Jad-Protein-Skimmer-Marine-tanks-1850-l-h-/220608928021?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item335d511915#ht_630wt_905

Or http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/tmc-400-protein-skimmer-marine-tanks-/330484801025?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4cf26dde01#ht_500wt_1156

LOL or this http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Sump-Protein-Skimmer-Inc-pump-marine-/180431817729?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2a02930c01#ht_3098wt_905

 

[ben1987]

Can I use the filters or is it just live rock?

You can use filters for a fish only tank, but if you are having a reef tank (with corals) then you are probably going to need live rock. the filter may come in handy though so dont worry they wouldnt be wasted. Live rock is just a more efficient way to convert fish waste

How do I go about the switch?

Have a read up on the berlin method. You would need to re-home all live stock you have now. Throw away media and gravel and give the tank a scrub

Can I use my current media?

Nope, you want fresh media. the bacteria in fresh water tanks would not transfer over to salt water. it would all die.

Do I have to change my gravel?

For the same reasons as the above, id throw it and start from scratch, you dont want to tranfer anything nasty across

If I cant use my media how do I cycle the tank? (fish in?)

Read up on berlin method (using live rock as filteration) the cycle just happens this way, then you add fish slowly.

How do I go about live rock, is it needed?

imo it is needed if you want corals, if you just want a few fish, filters would be ok

all the skimmers you linked are about the same, none particually good! could you stretch do a deltec MCE600?

 

[rdp50734]

Thanks, I will read up on the berlin method.

For the skimmer what lph should I be looking at, and what makes one better than another?

As for the media could I not just boil it rather than throw it away?

Is my lighting ok for corals or do I need more?

With me running 2 externals how much LR would I need? Or would it be better to just use LR?

 

[ben1987]

For the skimmer what lph should I be looking at, and what makes one better than another?

get one rated to atleast the size of the tank...some of the quality manufacturers like deltec will easily cope with a tank sized around what they are rated for, some of the cheaper skimmer you have to double so if you have 300L tank then buying a skimmer at 600L would be a good idea.

As for the media could I not just boil it rather than throw it away?

id bin it and start fresh, for the few $/£ it would cost its not worth it. compared to the cost of running a marine tank changing the media on a filter will be a tiny fraction.

Is my lighting ok for corals or do I need more?

ideally you could do with a bit more. but it all depends on what corals you want to keep. theres a broad range of requirements when thinking about different types of coral

With me running 2 externals how much LR would I need? Or would it be better to just use LR?

go with the usual 1LB per gallon or 1KG per 2.2 Gallons

 

[jameshughes1989]

Sorry to completely hijack for my own use but I have a deltec mc500 im selling, any use?

Cheers

 

[rdp50734]

Thanks Ben.

 

[seffieuk]

Well I never did, looky who has jumped into the salty side - , i'm really looking forward to watching your tank progress. Dont forget to start a journel and take loads of photos along the way

So, what are your plans, a full reef with corals and fish or just fish?

Seffie x

 

[rdp50734]

Hi seffie, I was wondering when you would post! . I have surprised myself to be honest, But I need a new challenge, tropical is ok but all too easy to get lazy and cut a few corners and its easy to get away with, with a bit of experince! Plus I have kept a lot of the fish and they are not really holding my attention.

I do plan a full reef with some corals, fish and inverts but there is a hell of a lot too learn! Plus initial setup costs are a concern, in the respect that I dont want to spend all that money to find it is not going to hold my attention similar to the tropicals. Although it has took a few years!

While you are here, I bought this tank second hand how would I be able to check if its had copper meds in there? Also is deltec mc500 any good as a skimmer in your opinion?

Thanks.

 

[seffieuk]

Fill the tank with some warm water and test for Copper and yes the deltec mce 500 is top notch - are you thinking of buying James'?

you are right it is mighty expensive, but half the fun is the research and looking for bargains

Seffiex

 

[rdp50734]

Yes I am thinking of buying James', I'm planing on picking stuff up as I research them, like you say the bargain hunting is part of the fun!

I have a bit of a clarification question. Ben said above I could use the filter/s but on another forum they said not to bother. Is it worth using the filter/s or sell them to fund the new addiction?

 

[seffieuk]

Well, as always Ben is right imo, but so are the other posters you talk about

If you keep one of the externals you can run your phosphate/nitrate remover in them - however you are considering buying a deltec - they have a media chamber, well, mce600 does, you might just want to check if the mce 500 has one.

The externals dont really work as an extra filter on a salty tank with live rock - they are mainly used as media containers

If it were me, I keep one (just in case) and sell the others

Seffie x

 

[rdp50734]

OK, that makes sense I'll check for a media chamber and keep the fluval I think.

Thank you both for your patience, the same old noob questions must wear you down a bit! In my case I feel I learn more asking questions than reading. Either it does not give me all the details I want, or it goes on for so long the cup overfills!

Anyway just wanted to say your all appreciated!

 

[seffieuk]

No problem, I'm the same, I learn more by asking questions and having a dialog with other members

Seffie x