going from freshwater to saltwater...

Ok so I've posted a few threads asking questions about some tank setups that I'm interested in starting. With my current living situation though, I may not be able to embark on this for another six months or so. So in the meantime I figure I'll continue to ask questions and get input to help the process whem im ready; but I was thinking it would be beneficial to start a small 20G tank that I already have as freshwater and turn it into a saltwater reef to get some experience under my belt.

So here's the questions, Since I already have the tank, I will obviously need about 20-30lbs of live rock and live sand. I will obviously need to upgrade the lighting, and get a protein skimmer and powerhead.

What protein skimmer would be the best for this small setup? Moderatly priced? and the lighting as well? Is there anything else I would need to get it going?

Thanks for the input!!

-Ben

oh and p.s. just so you guys have an idea of the bioload, I'm thinking just a pair of clowns, firefish and maybe a gramma, along with the obvious inverts.

Thanks guys

 

bump

 

In that size of a tank it is quite possible to manage the tank without a protein skimmer instead you rely on 10%-20% weekly or bi-weekly water changes to maintain water quality. Do you currently have a 20 High or a 20 Long tank? Also if you have ever medicated the tank I would be wary of converting it to saltwater as many corals and inverts are extremely sensitive to freshwater medication especially copper.

You may want to consider buying a new 20 gallon tank just to be on the safe side.

Other things that will be helpful would include:
Salt
Test Kits, I prefer API
Refractometer
Heater
Sand?
Thermometer

Other things that are helpful would be an RO/DI machine along with a TDS meter, buckets for storing additional RO/DI water.

Do you plan on drilling the tank for an overflow and sump which would allow you to hide equipment such as the heater and adding a refugium.

 

well to answer your questions, I actually do have a thermometer and heater (hydor theo). I have not medicated the tank except normal water treatment and ammo-lock. I mould probably buy the R/O water from my LFS, its only a buck a gallon. I would get buckets for additional water to avoid constant trips to the lfs, but I do not plan on doing a sump/fuge. At least not until I get a new tank (one of my future plans)

Any other thoughts with that info??

Thanks

-Ben

 

I’m just suggesting an RO/DI machine because over time it will pay for itself many times over. For example, if you perform a 10% weekly water change of 2 gallons, plus topping off a gallon a week for evaporation means your using 3 gallons a week. If you are paying $1 a gallon then an RO/DI machine will pay for itself in as little as a year. Not counting the initial cost of filling the tank up. In addition you do not have to worry if the LFS has changed their filters or what quality their water is to begin with.

Also when I had a smaller tank and no RO/DI machine I know I put off more then a few water changes because I did not want to make the trip up to the fish store.

Just pointing out ways you can save time and $$$ in the long run.

 

yah i see where your coming from and I definitely intend on getting one when I relocate and start my 80G project. For the time being i think this small tank would be a good way for me to get experience in the hobby without spending alot of money and I will most likely end up transferring the LR and fish to the bigger tank when I get that started. Possibly make this 20G back to freshwater once i start my 80G.

Thanks man,

-Ben

 

Don't forget the cost of salt to.

 

They have R/O DI saltwater and freshwater ready for a little over a buck a gallon. Its already mixed R/O'd and DI'd

 

Welcome to the dark side of the pond. If you have the time, go to this web site. Its very informative and will give you a crash course on SW.
www.saltwater101.com


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