Converting my 45 Reef to freshwater: filtering suggestions?

Discussion in 'Fish Filters' started by CMOS, Feb 14, 2013.

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  1. CMOS

    CMOS Plankton

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    Howdy All,

    I currently have a 45 reef (36 x 13 x 24" tall) and will soon be converting it to freshwater. I simply do not have time for the required maintenance needed for a reef tank.

    The tank has a back corner overflow box with holes drilled in the bottom for the feed and return from the sump. The sump has 3 main chambers, input (with Skimmer that will be removed), Refugium, and the Output section that houses the pump. There are also a few bubble baffles that I designed into this sump.

    Lighting: I have dual Power Compact bulbs on one curcuit and a 175W Metal halide on another. (Good for live plants??)

    The big question: What kind of filtration system should I consider for this?

    I'm thinking about doing a freshwater refugium with Anacharis or Hornwart.

    I am also considering using some Poret foam baffles in the sump as part of the BIO media.

    Thoughts?

    BTW, I'm thinking about doing a nice Tetra tank and possibly begin to use some live plants, if I learn how to keep them alive. ;)

    Your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    CMOS
     
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Welcome to 3reef. If you use the poret in the baffles or for the incoming water to go through you should be good on filtration with your other plans.

    The lights you have will be more than sufficient for a planted tank though you will most likely need pressurized CO2 to get the best out of your tank and keep algae to a minimum. If you do not use the MH you should not need pressurized CO2 and possibly none at all.
     
  4. CMOS

    CMOS Plankton

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    Thanks - can you explain in more detail the above? Why is it that I may not need the pressurized Co2 if I do NOT use the MH system?

    CMOS
     
  5. Gavinsons

    Gavinsons Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I just switched from a heavly planted discus tank to a reef, well its not a reef yet but will be. I had t5's and you do need pressurized co2 if you want your plants to thrive. Any co2 added will help. Also adding ferts will keep the plants alive. in my opinion a planted tank takes just as much work as a reef if not more.
     
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    The more intense your lighting is the more likely you will need pressurized CO2 to allow your plants to out compete algae for nutrients. MH lighting is an intense form of lighting, especially for planted tanks as is LED and T5HO. The PC lighting you have is a nice moderate level of light that can grow plants without cause algae to grow light mad due to it's lower intensity.
     
  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You are pretty well correct in most cases, especially with intense lighting. You can do fine with low light levels and have minimal fertilization and CO2 need. I had a 45 like the OP with PC lighting like his and had no problems without CO2.
     
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  9. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    2in10 (John), is a freshwater planted tank wizard. He knows what he's talking about. On a sidenote, I know just a little bit about what he is saying.

    In freshwater planted tanks, the more light you put into the tank, the more Co2 and fertilizer are needed for the plants to grow and utilize the light. If you get one of the 3 things out of balance, there will be a severe algae bloom. Pouring light into the tank and not giving the plants the other essential things needed to utilize the light will just cause an algae outbreak. I probably gave a poor explanation but john will chime in with a better one. In short, lighting can be tricky in a fw planted tank. I still think you should do it, because I happen to think they are gorgeous tanks.
     
  10. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    Crap, in the time it took me to type that post it looks like i was too late lol.
     
  11. CMOS

    CMOS Plankton

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    Thanks guys. That gives me enough to do some more research.

    Now, more on the general filtration: will the sump refugium and the Poret foam be enough, or will I need some supplemental filtration?

    2-10, what kinds of plants did you use on that 45 with the PC lighting?


    CMOS
     
  12. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I had Amazon Swords and Rotala rotundifolia are all that I remember. If you don't want to use CO2 you can use Seachem Excel quite successfully also. I had a 4 bulb PC fixture on a 75 and used Excel and dosed potassium, iron and micro nutrients and had a very colorful looking tank.