Converting 29g FW to SW Reef

So I went fresh from the start but always had a place in my heart for SW and reef tanks especially. I have 2 matched 29 gallon tanks in my livingroom and I am tempted to convert that into a reef tank.

My question is that.. is it worth spending the money to convert my tank or should I just go with an AIO setup like a nanocube or the like? If I went AIO i'd have to go small though so it'd be a 6gal NC DX or a 12 NC DX.

My question is really hardware related...

What exactly do I need and what can I keep?

Currently I'm running a 150w heater, emperor 400 filter, air pump, and the lighting that came with the perfecto hood.

From my reading I pretty much will only be able to re-use the tank, stand, and heater.

Which means I'll need:

~30lbs Live Sand
~60lbs LR
New Lights
Protein Skimmer
1 or 2 Powerheads
SW Test Kit
ATO Setup

With all this in mind I am wondering if it may be more cost efficient for me to go with an AIO setup instead of converting my FW setup.

What lights would be adequate to keep basic soft corals and have moonlights?

What Skimmer is the best bang for the buck for a tank my size but also isn't going to break on me?

Is 1 large PH better than 2 smaller ones?

Who makes a decent ATO? Is the JBJ one good?




The reason I am considering an AIO is that I can grab a JBJ NC 6gal for only 100-120 and be a bit ahead of the curve.



So basically I just need someone to steer me in the right direction.

 

i would convert, might be cheaper in the long run as with the AIO tanks, they are not that great and you dont want to start a reef with most of the equipment used.

IMO get T5 HO for the lights, i just converted back and very happy, no heat issues anymore and my tank looks great!!

 

the AIO setups generally don't come with great equipment. You will probably have to upgrade the lighting and skimmer anyways. Also, a 6gal. tank is not really good for a beginner. Smaller tanks are much harder to keep without experience. In the long run, it will be cheaper to just buy the equipment. Look on ebay and craigslist or the classifieds on this site to find cheaper equipment.

 

+1 on not getting a "kit". Everything on them will need to be replaced in the long run anyways, so why spend the extra money? Also, to answer your question, numerous, smaller powerheads are MUCH better than fewer larger ones.
The only thing I would be concerned about is what was used in your FW tank? If you used any type of medication at all, and specially copper based medication, I would not use the tank for SW. It will slowly seep out of the silicone and kill everything. Also, you need to make sure the heater is approved for marine also. Not all equipment like heaters can be used on fresh and saltwater. Also, you'll need two test kits. The saltwater test kit and a reef test kit. And a decent refractometer. If your going to be keeping corals, you need to be able to test for at least PH, SG, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ca, mg, dkh, and PO4.
And don't forget to add a grounding probe!

 

Good to know. I'll take a look at the heater. I have never used any medications in my tanks. Other than tap water, plants, and fish I have only added Seachem's Flourish, Prime, and API Aquarium Salt.

The flourish is the one that scares me as I noticed the other day it lists: ".0001% copper" on the label. I have read that amount is negligable as, "On a weight basis, cooked spinach has almost double the % of copper as Seachem Flourish. (0.000167% if you want the exact number, based on one scientific analysis. A similar analysis of raw spinach gave a result of 0.000093% copper--roughly the same as Flourish)."


What do you guys think?


Also, when it comes to filtration I am kind of at a loss. I can't really fit a sump into my stand unless its really narrow so what does that leave me with? is it possible to go all HOB with the skimmer and some sort of filtration?

So bascially I need:

150w Saltwater Heater
2 Powerheads (aiming for 10-20x turnover)
HOB Skimmer
HOB Fuge?
T5 HO Lighting (what wattage is appropriate?)
Refractometer
Test Kits (SW and Reef)
LR/LS

Water Mixing Supplies (cheap powerhead, heater, bucket, thermometer)

Not too bad. There is a guy locally that is tearing down his tank and is selling LR cheap so maybe I can grab some other stuff from him...

 

When aiming for a turnover rate, you need to add up ALL of the things that create flow in the tank (skimmers, filters, etc) not just the powerheads. You should actually be aiming for a 40X turnover rate, or higher.
With regards to your filtration: I currently do not run a fuge. I just have a skimmer and an aquaclear hob powerfilter. My tank is perfectly healthy. But I WILL be upgrading to a fuge. You have a few choices if you want to run one: Either build a more appropriate stand, buy one, or you could even run your fuge along side of the tank, and not in the stand. I personally wouldnt bother with the HOB fuges: If your not running a sump/fuge, your going to have to run your skimmer and everything else off the tank, it won't leave room for one. Plus they are so small, I wouldnt trust how effective they would be for the money.
And, to save you a few bucks, why not buy dry argonite sand and base rock? It will save you a bundle and you won't run the risk of bringing in any pests.

 

When I converted my 36 from fw to sw I also had live plants and it took longer IHO to cycle. I would make sure I clean the ever living snot out of the tank. That plant waste took long to break down. But now have a great tank. I use a canister filter and don't plan on going to a sump. Good luck on converson

 

If I went and converted my 20h tank the stand might acomodate a fuge. How large of a fuge would I need with the 29 or the 20H?

 

Don't do a high, you'll be much happier with the 29. Tall tanks give much less room, as fish dont swim up and down, they mostly swim left to right. You'll also have to lay out extra money for more powerfull lights with a tall tank so that they can penetrate the depth better

 

+2 a 10g refug would work well. Luna